In memory of a dear friend.

Jan 30, 2012 |  Filed in: Marla’s Meisele Maysele |  By: Marla Towbin

"It is the writer who might catch the imagination of young people, and plant a seed that will flower and come to fruition."
- Isaac Asimov

When the sad news of the rapidly declining health of longtime friend and mentor, Midge Schildkraut reached me- I offered to fly up. “She may not make it, Sweetie, ’’ my sister Carol whispered as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Greening and Growing Temple Israel

Jan 30, 2012 |  Filed in: Presidential Perspective |  By: Ben Kuehne

As we welcome the beautifully warm and vibrant February weather in our corner of Paradise, as other environs experience a different version of winter, we have a special opportunity to celebrate with our Temple family the Festival of Tu B’Shevat (Jewish New Year for Trees) as we dedicate the planting of our beautiful new oak trees soon to be gracing our grounds.

A Musical Interlude

Jan 30, 2012 |  Filed in: A Musical Interlude |  By: Alan Mason

The 2011 Union for Reform Judaism National Biennial Convention was not only a great music making experience for me, but also a trip down a twenty year old memory lane.

Notes from the Cantor

Jan 30, 2012 |  Filed in: Notes from the Cantor |  By: Michael Glozman

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am not for others, what am I? And if not now, when?” -Pirkei Avot (Hillel)

Love Story

Jan 30, 2012 |  Filed in: Scholar In Residence |  By: Mitchell Chefitz

The only holiday Jews observe in February is Valentine’s Day. I didn’t say Valentine’s Day is a Jewish holiday. It’s a holiday Jews observe, sort of like Halloween. Both holidays are dangerous to ignore. If we don’t have candy by the door on Halloween, we might be in for a trick. And, if we don’t have something for our beloved on Valentine’s Day . . . God help us.

Reflections on the Washington, DC Biennial of the Union for Reform Judaism

Jan 30, 2012 |  Filed in: Rabbi's Message |  By: Jody Cohen

For temple president Ben Kuehne and his wife, Lynn Kislak, first vice president Joan Schaeffer, educator Valeria Michanie, past president Robert Glazier, musical director Dr. Alan Mason, member and aspiring cantor Jen Rueben and me, participating in the largest ever biennial convention of the Union for Reform Judaism in December in Washington, DC was an exhilarating and spiritually uplifting experience.

January Chai Lites Now Available

Jan 03, 2012 |  Filed in: News |  By: Marla Towbin

Our latest Chai Lites is now available. Make sure to check it out here.

What Happened to the Dream?

Jan 03, 2012 |  Filed in: Rabbi's Message |  By: Jody Cohen

On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the march on Washington for jobs and freedom and delivered his now famous “I Have a Dream” speech. More than 200,000 people - black and white, young and old, rich and poor - gathered that day to hear this modern day prophet’s eloquent call for justice for all our nation’s inhabitants. Dr. King shared a dream “deeply rooted in the American dream.” That American dream of freedom, dignity, and economic justice is based on the belief that all people are created equal and “guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Dr. King vowed not to be satisfied until, in the words of the prophet Amos, “justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream” for all God’s children.