Tomorrow morning we will read from two sifrei torah~Torah scrolls, as we observe the third of four shabbatot leading up to Passover, Shabbat Parah. The title of this Shabbat refers to the cow~parah that is described in Numbers 19 as a red heifer. It is sacrificed and, after it has been completely burnt on the altar, its ashes are gathered by “a man who is pure” (Num 19:5), who leaves them outside the camp in…
Rabbi's Message
Much has been written in the last few weeks about the convergence of Hanukkah & Christmas. I’m more interested in Hanukkah’s crossover from 2024 to 2025. Today, the eighth day of Hanukkah, coincides with the second day of the Hebrew month of Tevet and the second day of the month of January, which is the second day of the new year of 2025. The significance of this connection between Hanukkah and the new year occurred…
Despite being a GenXer and spending plenty of time teaching teenagers, I’ve never been an early adopter of new technology. I’m especially wary of the computerized bells and whistles in my vehicle—more things that can break and require costly repairs. However, I’ve come to appreciate one safety feature in my new car: Adaptive Cruise Control. At first I wasn’t sure I wanted to use this feature on Evesboro-Medford Road. I didn’t feel I could trust…