“So Moses came down from Mount Sinai. And as Moses came down from the mountain bearing the two tablets of the Pact, Moses was not aware that the skin of his face was radiant [keren], since he had spoken to him [God]….And when Moses had finished speaking with them [the Israelites], he placed a veil over…
Torah: Terumah- Our Tables are Our Witnesses Why do we actually bless the table when we chant the traditional grace after meals? The words are as follows: “May the Merciful One send abundant blessings to this household and on this table that we have eaten upon.” The table is a repository of life memories. Around…
On January 29nd Rabbi Spitz led a discussion focusing on the experiences of interfaith families, and how Jewish traditions and celebrations can further enrich their lives. Parents and grandparents participated in the discussion, and childcare was offered for young children. Former CBI Child Development Center Director Lisa Heller has volunteered to continue the discussion with more Sunday morning…
Why does Judaism differ from Christianity on abortion? It all comes down to two missing nouns in this week’s Torah reading. Let’s take a look at that text to see the ambiguity: “When men fight and knock a pregnant woman, causing her to miscarry, if there is no tragedy [to whom?], the responsible party must…
Have been wanting to learn to lead Shabbat services? Are you interested in learning more about Davening for your personal practice? Would you like to add to your existing Davening repertoire? Then watch the video below to learn Shabbat Shacharit with CBI’s Baalat Tefillah, Amy Robinson Katz! Click here for a pdf of the handout from Davening…
The world is dealing with an enormous refugee crisis. Guided by Jewish values and history, the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society (HIAS) has been helping refugees for over 130 years. CBI has signed on to HIAS’ Welcome Campaign in support of local and global refugees. We plan to offer ways to take action and become involved…
When is lying permitted? This question comes to the foreground in our Torah’s unfolding story. Moses has misled Pharaoh. The Israelite leader did not say, “Let my people go for we refuse to serve as your slaves.” Rather he repeatedly said on behalf of God, “Let My people go to worship Me in the wilderness…
Preliminary (Birchot HaShachar/Pesukei D’Zimrah) Watch the video of Amy’s workshop and then use the audio recordings below to practice! Click here for a pdf of the handout from Davening Workshop #1. 103 Birchot Hashachar http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/103%20Birchot%20Hashachar.mp3 104 Uteneinu http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/104%20Uteneinu.mp3 112 Psalm 92 http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/112%20Psalm%2092.mp3 120 Psalm 30 http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/120%20Psalm%2030.mp3 122 Baruch Sheamar http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/122%20Baruch%20Sheamar.mp3 136 Ashrei http://www.cbi18.org/sermonaudio/136%20Ashrei.mp3 137 Psalm…
Torah: B’Shallah Even miracles do not necessarily change a fixed interpretation of reality. How could the Egyptian leadership have changed their minds again? Ten plagues have come and gone and so have the Israelites. Remarkably, the Torah text does not say this time that “God had hardened their heart.” The leadership’s reversal has a psychological…
Torah: Bo – Why did Pharaoh hold on to the slaves for so long? For that matter, why did it take a war to free the slaves in the United States? With the opening several month’s ago in D.C. of the African-American museum, I learned much about our nation’s history of slavery. Eli Whitney’s cotton gin…