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A Rabbinic Call to Action: Defending the Jewish Future

  On the High Holidays, I spoke about the need to prioritize our particular Jewish communal needs and concerns for as long as necessary until we feel safe again. After nine years of increasing antisemitic rhetoric, threats and violence, and the explosion of anti-Zionism since October 7, 2023,   we must call out threats to our safety and welfare, even if that means risking partnerships with former friends and allies. This is a time for moral clarity. Every member of every synagogue in America should know exactly where their Rabbi stands when Jews and the State of Israel are under attack from so many.  That's why I am among 900 Rabbis from across the United States who recently signed the Rabbinic Call to Action sponsored by The Jewish Majority . which has brought critical attention to our shared commitment to defend Jewish identity, combat antisemitism and anti-Zionism, and perhaps most importantly, to reaffirm that the authentic, mainstream voices of American Jewry b...
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With Joy and Compassion: Standing With Israel’s Freed Hostages

This week, we joined with the people of Israel and Jews everywhere in profound joy and relief at the return of 20 living hostages to their families. The sight of loved ones reunited with their families filled our hearts with gratitude. I can’t imagine a better way to start the new year.   And yet, even in this moment of celebration, we recognize that the journey ahead for the released hostages and their families will be long and difficult. Healing from unimaginable violence and trauma takes time, care, resources, and the support of every corner of world Jewry. I want to challenge each member of the congregation and the greater community to participate in this effort to help the former hostages and their families.   The Yizkor observance on Shimini Atzeret, Passover, and Shavuot, our congregation turns memory into action by supporting vital causes in Israel and throughout the Jewish world. You have always responded generously.   This Yizkor, we have dedicated the Y...
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A Personal High Holiday Invitation

On Sunday, the new Hebrew month of Elul begins. Elul is the unofficial start of the High Holiday season. As Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur approach, I want to share a personal and heartfelt request: I would truly love to see you and your families at the JCCP/CBT for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur this year. Please plan to be with us in person in the building this year. This year, more than ever, I hope we can come together as one congregation — in person — to pray, reflect, and celebrate the Days of Awe. I want to see our sanctuary once again filled with familiar faces, voices joined in song and prayer, and the powerful feeling that only a full congregation can create during these sacred moments. In recent years, we’ve all had to adapt in different ways. Much thought and care went into making our High Holiday experiences meaningful while ensuring everyone felt safe and supported. I’m proud of the dedication our community showed and grateful that we remained connected, whether in perso...
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Hate Has A Definition, and New Jersey Must Name It

Anti-Semitism, and especially antisemitic hate crimes, have reached unprecedented levels since October 7 th 2023. According to data released by the FBI earlier this month, antisemitic hate crimes in recent years have broken all previous statistical records. In 2024, even as the number of hate crimes overall actually decreased in the US, crimes committed against Jews increased by 5.8 percent, the largest total recorded in over 30 years. We are 2% of the US population, but subject to 69% of all religious based hate crimes. The problem is real. And law enforcement needs tools and resources, including a working definition of exactly what antisemitism is.   In this climate, clarity matters. Definitions matter. And leadership matters. Three weeks ago, Jason Shames, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, testified before the State and Local Government Committee of the NJ State Assembly in support of Bill A3558. This legislation would formally adopt the International...
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Tisha B’Av: A Day of Remembrance and Responsibility

On Saturday night, we begin the observance of Tisha B'Av, the fast of the 9th day of the Hebrew month of Av. Tisha B’Av is the saddest day on the Jewish calendar. On this day, we commemorate the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians in 586 BCE and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, along with a series of other tragedies that have shaped the course of Jewish history. It is a day of mourning, fasting, and reflection, a day to look back and remember periods of profound loss and suffering in our collective past. The Mishnah (Ta’anit 4:6) teaches that five major calamities occurred on this day: The decree that the Israelites would wander the desert for 40 years The destruction of the First and Second Temples The fall of Betar, the stronghold of Bar Kochba, in 135 CE, ending the last major Jewish resistance to Roman rule The Romans plowed over the city, destroying any remaining buildings and quashing any hopes that the Temple would be rebui...
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