We are writing this together because our Journey to Israel was a trip that for years we had always wanted to take. . . Our Journey was made even more meaningful and special because it was made with our Rabbi and our Temple Community. A community that started out being just a gathering of some

“So… where were we and what were we doing this time last week?” Bruce and I have had these time checks routinely throughout the days since our recent return from Israel.  It is as though we are reluctant to allow any balloons in our bouquet of Israeli memories to float away.  However, the poignant reminiscences

I have been planning a trip to Israel, to visit my son and daughter-in-law and their children, for months. The experience was very interesting, as I have never experienced an orthodox Jewish Passover. I arrived about two weeks before the first seder, and assisted with the preparation for Passover during my visit. If you live

I grew up in our small town, Lynbrook, where many said I live in a bubble. I never considered the town being my home, only two places in this town – my house with my family and my house of worship. There were many milestones for me at Temple Am-Echad: I received my Hebrew name,

One particular theme that stands out in this week’s Parsha is that Hashem gives us commandments as both a blessing and a curse. He lays out the laws and commandments and tells us there will be consequences for not following them. Living in this era we already know that we can not have lawlessness, but

The parsha Va’etchanan, Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11, includes a repetition of the 10 commandments as well as the Shema – which as we all know, ends with “Adonai is our God, Adonai is one.” But what does that mean – Adonai is one? Does it mean that there is only one God? Does it mean that God

Never underestimate your Temple. I have tears in my eyes as I write this note to say thank you to all the good and kind people of our Temple. I don’t go to services as often as I should, but no one judges me for that. I am always made to feel welcome. Our family

“Feed the Hungry” is one of the most successful of the Am Echad programs.  Kudos to Steve and Jane Miller for making this a reality.  The program relies on an all-volunteer cadre of shoppers, and then the volunteers cook every Wednesday.  Over 450 meals are prepared each week for the mission in Far Rockaway and

When my son-in law drove me to the airport to go to Israel I thought I was dreaming.  I had bought the airplane tickets a few months before. I was looking forward to seeing my 3 baby grandchildren and son and daughter-in-law.  Also leaving the constant snow to 65% to 75% temperature would be great.