In this week’s Torah portion, negative filtering - framing the truth in a way that ignores the world's positives - led the Israelite spies astray. Rabbinic Intern Pink explains how the story teaches us the importance of hope, even in challenging times.

Join Rabbi Koffman in a discussion of complicated and confusing texts, sibling rivalry, and the consequences of what happens when we talk about others.

Birkat Kohanim, the blessing that parents give their children on Shabbat, has its origins in this week’s Torah portion. What does this blessing tell us about the values we want to impart to the next generation? Rabbinic Intern Aiden Pink leads a discussion on the history of the blessing and its i...

On Shavuot, we read about the giving of the Torah and the entire community's acceptance of it, but what about individual acceptance? Rabbi Zauzmer leads an interactive discussion encouraging us to think about when and how we personally receive the lessons of the Torah, perhaps uncovering gifts th...

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.

To commemorate Memorial Day, Rabbinic Intern Pink discusses the Torah verse inscribed on the Liberty Bell, analyzing what Jewish tradition teaches about how to achieve liberty and justice for all.

What is your response to the anti-Israel protests on college campuses? Explaining that these demonstrations not only express distress at Israel’s response to Hamas, but reflect a surge of antisemitism, Rabbi Cosgrove urges all Jews to step up to combat Jew-hatred politically, legally, and philant...

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.

What makes a moment in Jewish history, both biblical and not, a miracle? Can what seem to be modern, human interventions be miraculous? Rabbi Zuckerman seeks to answer these questions by reflecting on themes in the Haggadah and times of resilience and survival.

The last time we gathered for Yizkor was October 7. Now, we must keep the memories of those killed on that horrific day alive – not as history, but in our personal memories.

Rabbi Zauzmer leads a participatory discussion about the meaning behind counting the Omer and encourages us to be grateful for each new day.

Several texts in Jewish tradition teach us to “have no fear.” But can fear actually be controlled, or is it an instinctual reflex? Rabbinic Intern Pink discusses what Judaism says about processing and acting upon our fears.

Six months after October 7, are you expecting seder guests with conflicted and conflicting views?

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.

Can we talk? After a recent experience on campus, Rabbi Cosgrove regrets that honest dialogue between people of differing views is prevented by antagonists who would rather play “gotcha” than take part in challenging and vulnerable conversation.

Is the story of Esther just a comedic fantasy or is it a parable for our own times? Rabbi Cosgrove finds a lesson in the Megillah for how we can understand our place in society and our responsibility to live joyfully as proud, committed Jews.

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.

Since October 7, we have been more willing to share with one another when we are not okay. Rabbi Zauzmer encourages us to show up in community with all our flaws and our hurts, even when they are of a more personal nature.

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.

What happens when we try to hide, or even undo, our Jewish heritage and identity? It's a story seen throughout history, even told on theater stages. Rabbi Zuckerman explores "The New Jew," who is no longer willing to hide in the shadows of antisemitism, and when to combat hate with love.