Rabbi's Blog

This D’var Torah explores the themes of Toledot through the lens of Thanksgiving: how gratitude creates abundance, how Isaac’s family struggles with a mindset of scarcity, and how the wells of Rechovot offer a vision of spaciousness and blessing. Immediately following the teaching, Kyra shares a beautiful rendition of “Teach Your Children,” adding another layer of reflection on legacy, hope, and the world we pass on to the next generation.

When the rains finally stop, what comes next? In Parashat Noach, a rainbow becomes God’s promise of renewal after devastation. In this sermon, Rabbi Jason Holtz explores how that ancient symbol of hope still speaks to us today—through faith, resilience, and the longing for something “over the rainbow.” Featuring a moving rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” performed by Kyra, this video blends timeless Torah wisdom with the power of music and community.

The world can feel like it’s flooding — with noise, pressure, and confusion. Parashat Noach reminds us that we can’t always stop the waters, but we can build our own arks: spaces of steadiness, purpose, and faith amid the chaos.

A few days ago, our sukkah partially blew over. I noticed it from our kitchen window one morning, getting breakfast ready.  The wooden beams across the roof, the roof itself, and one of the walls collapsed. It happened overnight, when the wind picked up. By morning, it looked like our Sukkot would have had a sukkah for just the first half.   Our sukkah was reduced to just a tangle of poles and fabric on the ground. But less than an hour later, it was standing again. Actually,

Just because something is temporary, doesn't mean it isn't holy.

Yom Kippur is sometimes described as a day of letting go—of sins, grudges, mistakes, and regrets. But before we can let go, we must first recognize what we are carrying.

As long as Zionism has existed, people have debated what it is, what it means, and how central – or not – it is to Judaism and Jewish...

By the time Kol Kehillah comes out, I’ll be in Israel on a trip with rabbis and heads of Jewish agencies from all around Greater...

Since the attacks on October 7th when Hamas killed 1,400 Israelis, took 200 hostages, and injured many more, Israel and Gaza have been in...

For many of us, summer is a time when there is a change of pace in our lives, when children are out of school and perhaps off to camp,...

If there is one thing we could use more of, it’s time. I sometimes joke that I wish there were two (or more!) of me so I could do...

Let’s talk Israel. Before that, a bit of personal background. I first visited Israel in 2001, as a freshman college student on Birthright...