putting kindness at the center
09/22/2023 10:00:00 AM
Putting Kindness at the Center
Sermon, Rosh Hashanah
September 16, 2023
Near the end of the Torah, almost at the end of the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses instructs the community that every seventh year, they are to gather during Sukkot....Read more...
faith in a time of uncertainty
09/20/2023 12:00:43 PM
Sermon, Erev Rosh Hashanah
September 15, 2023
High Holy Day sermons feature two sometimes opposing features. Their themes represent the times, values, and priorities that span not only decades but centuries and millennia as well. But they are also...Read more...
bet mitzvah: A MORE INCLUSIVE NAME
08/31/2023 12:20:00 PM
As we usher in the new year, we are introducing a new name for our B’nai Mitzvah program, and it reflects core values in our Peninsula Temple Sholom community. At a joyful orientation for this year’s new cohort of youth who will celebrate their Jewish coming of age ceremony by leading a...Read more...
THRUSTING INTO THE UNKNOWN
08/01/2023 10:01:41 AM
Every so often, I find myself falling down the rabbit hole of checking what programs or opportunities are available for Jewish young professionals like me. Since moving to the Bay Area, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Late Shabbat programs and JCC events for the...Read more...
new beginnings
07/01/2023 10:30:42 AM
I feel so fortunate to begin my position as Director of Education, which will be new for me, but has a long history of great success at PTS. I just had the privilege of taking an almost 4 month sabbatical from full time work. I feel fulfilled and ready to bring creativity and enthusiasm...Read more...
where in the world is moldova?
07/01/2023 10:29:00 AM
Where in the world is Moldova? When I signed up to volunteer, my husband asked if it was the imaginary country in The Princess Diaries! Well, it’s not. In fact, Moldova is a small country sitting between east and west and playing an...Read more...
Empathy for the Outsider
06/23/2023 10:00:49 AM
D'var Torah, June 23, 2023
In honor of Pride month, I want to talk about a verse of Torah whose message is close to my heart, Exodus, chapter 22, verse 21, from Parshat Mishpatim. It talks about a specific mitzvah:
You shall...Read more...
The Enduring Power of Relationships
05/01/2023 09:30:00 AM
As we inch closer to summer, I am reflecting on my three years as your Assistant Rabbi and Director of Education. I was ordained as a rabbi and began this role at the beginning of the pandemic. While one of my priorities for my first few months on the job was to start forming relationships,...Read more...
PURIM, PESACH, PACKING
03/31/2023 10:01:56 AM
I imagine most of us have a period in our life that stands out, in a positive way, from the rest. Whether it was a year abroad, a dream vacation, summer camp, or a wedding. One such time in my life was in 2004-2005, my first year of Rabbinical School. Without even looking at pictures, I...Read more...
tIME FOR PLAY
03/01/2023 09:15:59 AM
Tour and registration time is here. Each year during this time, I am reminded of what is truly important, how vital our work is and that children need to PLAY! When it comes to early childhood education, children’s play is serious business. Fun and games bring more than just joy. They are...Read more...
