Each of our Shabbat’s and holidays together, we have paused our service and recited the prayer “ahainu” (Our Brothers). A simple prayer asking G1d to free those held captive and let that release come soon. We’ve all seen or heard the news of a ceasefire in Gaza. And with that...
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...
I have to tell the truth. If you had asked me last Saturday at lunch after Shabbat Services, “Rabbi Ron, what do you think of Charlie Kirk”? I would have had to reply, “I have no idea who that is”. Today, like my fellow American citizens, I’m very aware of...
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...
I live my life guided by a theme of my maternal grandfather. The theme he imprinted on my psyche is “10 minutes early, is almost late”. Now this flies directly in the face of the concept of “JST” or more commonly, “Jewish Standard Time”, where 20 minutes late is on...
As in all things Jewish, there is a debate. I’m willing to bet most have heard the expression “All beginnings are difficult”. The quote is attributed to Rabbi Yishmael ben Elisha, a sage of the 1st Century. And some (like Rav Google) also credit the Jewish American Rabbi and author,...
In a matter of days it will be the beginning of February and we will look to the prognosticator of prognosticators to tell us whether or not we have six more weeks of winter. I can say with a great amount of certainty that I would love to think that...
Shana tova, happy New year! Can you believe it’s 2025! If wishing a happy new year feels a bit redundant it might be because we just experienced the beginning of a new year as recently as October. As Jews, we are lucky. We get to celebrate New Year’s twice in...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. At the end of this month, we will begin celebrating the holiday of Chanukah. Known as The Festival of Lights, the Chanukah story retells the Maccabees rebellion during the time of the Greek Empire. If we look back at history at the...
Not “Goodbye” but “Be Seeing You” My dear Am HaYam Family, Our tradition teaches: kol hat-cha-lot kashot, “all beginnings are difficult.” This phrase has been something that many speakers, ancient and modern, religious or secular, have used. I myself have said it many times. But as I prepare to end...
