An Intentional Transformation
Rochester’s Jewish community is in the midst of an intentional transformation. The Jewish Federation of Greater Rochester is working with representatives of many of our Jewish institutions [...]
Choosing a Path of Greater Resistance for Inclusivity – Parashat Vayishlach
When I was a rabbinical student living in New York City, I was once a Shabbat guest at the house of a lovely Orthodox family living on the Upper East Side. Yet as I sat down to dinner, I couldn’t [...]
Celebrate Each Person’s Unique Path – Parashat Vayeitzei
In every reading and rereading of the Torah that I do, I’m constantly amazed by the brilliance of our matriarchs. Despite limited agency compared to their male counterparts, women in the Torah [...]
Everyone Has Something to Learn, Everyone Has Something to Teach
In Pirkei Avot Ben Zoma said: “Who is wise? One who learns from every person.” This is a central Jewish value. Everyone has something to learn, and everyone has something to teach. Some people [...]
Do You Only Have One Blessing? Parashat Toldot
In Toldot, this week’s Torah portion, Isaac urgently plans for the future. Between his advanced age and failing health, our second patriarch focuses on bestowing a blessing on his children. [...]
Parents as our Partners
In our Matan Institutes we work with Jewish Educators to guide them in including children of all abilities in Jewish education, offering concrete teaching tools for reaching every student and [...]
Treat Others with Kindness – Parashat Chayei Sarah
The modern sage Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.” What a wonderful lesson from a man who surrounded himself [...]
What Inspires You?
Sometimes you never know where your next inspiration will come from. One might go days or weeks or even months without having that moment that stops you in your tracks; makes you question [...]
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