We find ourselves at Labor Day and Rosh Hodesh Elul. After a summer of rest (or hopefully periods of it!), we herald the High Holidays, return to sanctuary services, and many adults resume work and children go back to school. Last Rosh Hashanah, Cantor Schwartz and Cantor Davis sang this brand-ne...

One of the most frequent claims made by campus protesters over the last year is that Israel rests on stolen Palestinian land. Rabbinic Intern Aiden Pink analyzes their case - and brings teachings from the rabbinic tradition that take the conversation in a surprising direction.

This year, the cantors and music department have had a special focus on Israel, trying to instill hope in the wider Jewish community. As the conflict continues and we still await the release of all hostages, our annual album this year will be Am Yisrael Chai: An October 7th Commemorative Album, f...

What’s on your summer playlist? With Israel on our minds, we hope you find comfort and hope in the rich fabric of Israeli music. Our album Israel: 75 Years of Music features beloved Israeli songs in addition to new compositions as Israeli-born Cantor Schwartz is joined by inter-generational Ameri...

This setting of the psalm “Song of Ascents” is presented in honor of those who keep us and Israel safe.

Music: Josef Karduner
Music Director: David Enlow
Special thanks to Eli Grunfeld
Video: Tami Shaham with help by Alexander Kotov
Audio: Oli Jung & Oscar Acevedo

Is there any getting over grief? Rabbi Cosgrove suggests that just as the Israelites carried the shards of the broken tablets of the covenant, so too, we carry our losses and yet, move forward.

Rabbi Zuckerman draws parallels between the Israelites wandering in the desert and the current state of worldwide Jewry, reflecting the deeper meaning behind the census of every Israelite as requested by God, and how we can count ourselves in this same story of our ancient history.

What is Double V? Recalling the campaign during WWII for victory against fascism on the battlefield and victory against racism on the homefront, Rabbi Cosgrove calls for a Double V campaign for Israel, for victory against Hamas and for the democratic values that are intrinsic to the state.

In honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut, enjoy this new setting of the prayer for Israel. This upbeat adaptation expresses hope for Israel’s future, one we pray for fervently. We dedicate this dance-style song to the victims, and with hope for the hostages, of the Nova Music Festival. Am Yisrael Chai.

Music,...

How does a connection to the land of Israel play out in your life? In sharing his own personal experience, Rabbi Cosgrove reminds us how the dream and the reality of a sovereign Jewish state in the land of Israel has sustained the Jewish people.

Rabbi Zauzmer brings us into an imagined conversation with an anti-Israel protestor on campus, giving us guidance for how to speak to our own friends even through vehement disagreement.

In the aftermath of October 7, celebrated Israeli artist Hanan Ben Ari wrote this song. In his dedication to the song, he writes, “This song is dedicated to my country. Not the one that was here a week ago, the one we will rebuild when all this is over.” As we look to Yom HaShoah, the reasons why...

Family members of Oded Lifshitz, Yocheved Lifshitz (released), Eli Sharabi, and Yossi Sharabi z"l shared remarks with the community during Kabbalat Shabbat services.

The Jewish connection to the land of Israel has been threatened with severance before October 7, yet these attempts have increased since. Through a historical lens, Rabbi Zuckerman explores how the establishment of Israel is the reconstitution of a national home, not colonization.

As of this weekend, on April 7, the remaining hostages in Gaza will have been held in captivity for six months. Despite the unimaginable deprivation and cruelty of their condition, we hope and pray for their immediate return.

Music and lyrics by Idan Reichel and Avi Ohayon
Arrangement by Oran ...

Although Israel remains traumatized by the terror of October 7, the hostages, and the ongoing war, there is talk of “the day after.” Rabbi Cosgrove examines the arguments for and against a two-state solution and offers his vision for a hopeful path forward.

Israeli society and Jews worldwide need to show solidarity during these times. Using the analogy of “the stretcher,” inspired by author Max Levin, Rabbi Zuckerman emphasizes the importance of carrying our brothers and sisters through the war in Israel in any way that we can, from wherever we may be.

Rabbi Zuckerman and PAS members Alyssa First and Stacey Maman shared reflections on their recent PAS trip to Israel.

As the Gaza war continues, how do you respond to people whose views on what should happen next in the conflict differ from your own? Rabbi Cosgrove counsels that it is essential to assume positive intent on the part of others and to ask thought-provoking questions to promote understanding.

During Kabbalat Shabbat, Governor Kathy Hochul remarked on her trip to Israel, the importance of allyship, and the steps she’s taken to protect citizens from the current rise in antisemitism. 

Robin Kaplan, a cochair of UJA at PAS, and Eric Goldstein, the CEO of UJA, reflected on their recent trips to Israel and the aftermath of Oct. 7. Goldstein shared how funds raised were used to aid families in Israel and UJA’s focus on working against antisemitism and helping others embrace their ...

With Rabbi Zuckerman, journalists Matti Friedman and Jodi Rudroren discussed the state of Israel before and after October 7, the reawakening of Zionism, and how news media delivers information on the war in Israel, and the ways readers interpret it.

Rabbi Cosgrove spoke of the importance Jewish solidarity, overcoming "the enemy within," and coming together as a Jewish people.

Let us pray for peace using these timeless words from the Amidah, sung in this familiar melody. Oseh shalom bimromav hu ya-aseh shalom aleinu, v’al kol Yisrael, v’imru amen – "May the one who creates peace on high bring peace to us and to all Israel. And we say: Amen."

Music: Nurit Hirsh, arr. b...