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Doctor? No. Concerned Rabbi? Absolutely!

Earlier this week, someone at our evening minyan asked me whether I recommend getting the new COVID vaccine. The question sparked a few laughs, as these types of questions often do. My response was simple: I’m not a doctor. While I proudly hold an honorary doctorate from the Jewish Theological Seminary, my expertise lies in theology, not medicine. Just as I don’t offer guidance on business, law, or plumbing, I similarly leave medical advice to professionals. But today, I am going to make an exception. Regardless of political differences, all Americans were saddened last week to learn that former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. This news naturally raises concerns, not just about his health, but about the broader issue of how aggressive cancers can go undetected, even among those who receive routine medical care. American presidents undergo extensive annual physical exams conducted by top physicians, with results made publicly a...
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Today Is A Special Day of The Year

Today is a special day in the Jewish calendar.  It’s  Lag B’Omer , the 33rd day of the  Omer . But what makes this day stand out? The answer lies in our history. You may recall that following the festive meal at the second Passover Seder, we began counting the Omer . That night, we started fulfilling the commandment to count each day until we reach seven complete weeks. At the conclusion of those seven weeks comes the holiday of Shavuot, which begins two weeks from this Sunday night. In the Torah, this season of the year was festive. Our ancestors would bring an Omer , a measure of barley, as an offering each day to the Temple, symbolizing their gratitude for the spring harvest and the bounty of the land. Yet in our time, this season is understood as a mournful period in the Jewish calendar.   We generally refrain from planning weddings, and other celebratory events.   Many will refrain from the purchase of new clothes and luxury items, as well as haircut...
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Beyond Boundaries: Rabbis And Ministers In Support Of Israel

Last Sunday, I traveled to Washington for the annual conference of the Zionist Rabbinic Coalition (ZRC). The ZRC is an organization of over 1,000 rabbis from across North America dedicated to fostering love and commitment to Zionism and Israel. We take public positions in committed support of Israel and work together to craft messages that resonate with American Jews of all ages and backgrounds. At a time when there is concern over the widening gap between the Jews of Israel and North America, we work to close that gap. In the words of our charter, "With unconditional love, yet not uncritical support, we are convinced that working together we can face any challenge." Our three-day conference was filled with important meetings, lectures, networking, and direct engagement with elected officials in Washington. Among the notable speakers was Professor Shai Davidai, the Columbia University faculty member who was the first to criticize Columbia University for its failure to speak...
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Singing Hatikvah on Israel Independence Day

Yesterday was Yom Ha'atzmaut . Throughout Israel and in Jewish communities around the world, there were major celebrations to mark 77 years of the State of Israel. Yet this year, the celebration of Israel's independence and the joy and pride that normally accompany this event were different than in the past, tempered by challenges and uncertainty. Even a cursory review of the headlines from Israel in just the past several days demonstrates the great tensions and challenges within Israel's government and society. The government is divided over the twin priorities of seeking the return of Israel's hostages as well as defeating Hamas. As Israel's president, Isaac Herzog said "Israel can't celebrate independence with a whole heart when our brothers and sisters are not with us." Prime Minister Netanyahu's Independence Day remarks, which stated clearly that victory over Hamas, and not the return of the hostages, was the supreme objective of the war i...
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“If I Am Not For Myself, Who Will Be For Me?" Senator Bill Cassidy Reconsidered

Earlier this week, I received an invitation to a fundraiser for Senator Bill Cassidy. The invitation came from NORPAC, an organization that hosts fundraising events for pro-Israel congressmen and senators. Founded in 1994, NORPAC has held thousands of such events, building relationships with elected officials that have proven tremendously beneficial to the Jewish and pro-Israel communities in America. While I am not a member of NORPAC, I am a supporter. I admire their goals, laud their efforts, and am grateful for their successes. The list of individuals they have endorsed is both extensive and significant, underscoring the importance of their work. Regular readers of my Shabbat messages may recall that about two months ago, I wrote critically about Senator Cassidy, particularly regarding his support for Bobby Kennedy as Secretary of Health and Human Services. I believed then—and continue to believe—that his support for this deeply flawed choice was a complete abdication of his re...
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