Rabbi Arthur Weiner

As many of you know, I love the study of history, and the study of Jewish history in particular. So, it is with more than just passing interest that I remind you (or inform you, as the case may be!) that May is  Jewish American History Month . Each year, by presidential proclamation, our nation recognizes the great contributions that American Jews have made, and continue to make to our country’s history, culture, and society.   There are a variety of similar commemorative months in the national calendar. Perhaps most famous is African-American history month in February, Women’s History Month in March, and LGBTQ Pride Month in June. What is interesting is that though these other months reflect a particular ethnicity, gender, or background, only Jewish history month recognizes the important role and contributions of a particular religious community to American life. Jewish American history month, first proclaimed by President George Bush in 2006, has not yet entered into the c

  You’ve heard me say that this week’s Torah reading is the longest of the year. You’ve heard me say that this Torah reading has many different stories and concerns, far more that most Parshiyot. But what you haven’t heard me say in a long time is anything about one of the most significant aspects of this week’s Torah reading, yet one that did not survive the destruction of the Second Temple. It is the Nazir , or in English often known as the Nazarite. The term itself is shrouded in mystery and actually confuses people. Take for example, the church across the street from the JCCP/CBT – Maranatha Church – the Church of the Nazarene. Most people think Nazarene must refer to the Nazarite. But actually, it refers to the hometown of the Jew they believe is their savior, which is Nazareth. I don’t want this to be taken the wrong way, but I’m not sure how many people who attend that church know that. Did you? What was the Nazir ? According to Chapter 6 of BaMidbar , a Nazir was a pe