My friends, I know that news travels fast and bad news even faster. It would pain me to share todays’s news and even more so, that we are so close to Rosh Hashanah. Some of you may have already heard that Temple Beth Torah was defaced with anti-Semitic and hateful...
This tends to be a favorite time of year for me in many regards. We get the last heat-waves of the summer, as I write this today, it’s a balmy 108 degrees in the far west San Fernando Valley. But even as the heat beats down, August is winding...
This morning Judy and I are recounting and reliving the Installation program yesterday. I don’t have enough vocabulary in any language to share with you how very much I was and am touched by the ceremony, the program and everyone’s support. It was a program and ceremony I’ll remember and...
By the time this edition of the Migdalor is released, we will be just about to enter the space for the חג האביב-The Spring Holiday, of Passover. The planning and cleaning and cooking should all be done. We are prepared to welcome the holiday, welcome our guests and even the...
My friends, I’m writing my article today on the Thursday after celebrating Rosh Hashanah with our Congregation Am Hayam community. As I catch my breath and look forward to observing Yom Kippur, a few thoughts run through my mind and a few things I’d like to share. Clearly Rosh Hashanah...
With great joy and a smile both on my face and Judy’s face, we wish everyone a שנה טובה-a good and sweet New Year! The Congregation Am HaYam community has been so warm and kind in welcoming Judy and me to congregation, that means so very much to us. It...
My friends, Like everyone, I am beyond saddened and devastated by the news from the Annunciation Catholic School and Church in Minneapolis that reached us yesterday. At a time when we as Jews are entering the month of Elul and prepping for the High Holidays, news of yet another mass...
A few words to share about Texas and its recent tragic events. My friends, On the 4th of July we celebrate the birthday of the United States. At times the word “United” feels like a reach. But in times of trouble, Americans have always looked after and cared for each...
Congratulations, you’ve finished your taxes for the year! You’ve filled out your paperwork and now you’re just waiting (wishing?) for that big tax refund you’re going to get! But how are you going to spend it? Even if you’re not expecting a refund from the IRS, if you had some...
Every year around this time things start to look a bit different. The days get longer, the sun gets a bit stronger and everywhere you go you can experience the sights, sounds, and smells of spring. Spring is a time of rebirth. This year we had one of the coldest...
