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Dreaming of Freedom

Captive in an Egyptian prison, Joseph's ability to interpret dreams became the key to his freedom. What dreams did Joseph have during those long, uncertain years of captivity? Will dreams sustain those held in chains of oppression or illness…

Bad News Bearers

I needed a guide for navigating difficult conversations. Comforting the grieving and ill is a mitzvah, but we have to be careful what we say to be helpful and not harmful. I thought of this analogy. We should be like a bowl of chicken soup:…

What’s Your Plan

When getting a haircut recently, I shared my stress about the current state of our country, especially the radical elements. Post-election, the news has me worrying about my family’s well-being. Between snips, my stylist advised me to tune…

I Saw Jacob Kissing Rachel

וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק יַעֲקֹ֖ב לְרָחֵ֑ל וַיִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת־קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ׃ Then Jacob kissed Rachel and broke into tears.The story of Jacob kissing Rachel at the well is a tale of divine…

Keep Digging

Molly Ivins famously observed, “The first rule of holes is, when you’re in one, stop digging.” Thomas Friedman added, “When you’re in three, bring a lot of shovels.” Reflecting on the story of Isaac in Genesis, I’m inclined to…

Mike Huckabee’s Torah

In the Torah, as Rebekah’s family sends her off to marry Isaac, they offer her a striking blessing. Rather than the typical wishes we might expect for a young bride—health, happiness, and fulfillment—her family’s blessing takes on a…

Abraham and the Jewish Perspective on Democracy

After a vitriolic election, we should reflect on the issues motivating the electorate. Candidates appealed to voters with positions on economic reforms, immigration policy, and women’s rights. For Jews, I believe the most pressing issue was…

Bless You!

This past summer, I attended the dedication ceremony for the cornerstone of the Scotland AME Zion church. Wearing my yarmulke, I participated as a representative of the Jewish community. I was inspired as the bishop of the AME Church delivered…

Acting Out

Stories of your childhood might include misadventures and outbursts. Every child acts up or acts out. Learning to respond to life's challenges fosters our maturity. Frustration, anger, or disbelief will rile us our entire lives. Mature adults…

Genesis of Absurd

Our world feels chaotic, marred by evil, and filled with absurdity. In my quest for some wisdom to ground me, I turned to the first chapters of the Torah. The text records the genesis of chaos, evil, and absurdity! And while chaos can be managed…