blogs/rabbi-joshua-hoffman

I'm not sure what's more disturbing about this week's headline story regarding Los Angeles Clippers Owner Donald Sterling, a man of Jewish heritage. Either that he was recorded in a conversation expressing some very bigoted opinions or that he justified his views with references to how Israelis treat “black Jews.”

Both ideas are simply disgusting.

The swift and decisive efforts of the NBA, headed by Adam Silver, also a...Read more...

Several years ago, Rabbi Daniel Gordis wrote a book, called, "Does the World Need the Jews?"  With twists and turns through historical moments and theological query, the answer as you would guess isn't so simple. I read it with great interest, yet I wasn't left with a renewed sense of commitment or responsibility. From thoughts like this we rehearse the truth that, 'Of course the world needs the Jews!'  We may offer limitless reason...Read more...

There are no words to fully express our gratitude and appreciation for your caring response to us over the past month.  The time of healing and recovering has been essential to our well-being.  We're thankful for the signs of improvement we've seen each day.  We have received positive evaluations from our neurologist and other care takers, and I am looking forward to returning to work and service in the community. This...Read more...

At 10 minutes to 7:00 a.m. I and a few friends approached the Old City through the Dung Gate where were summarily stopped by police barricades.  "You're not permitted to enter" the police officer politely (yes, politely) explained.  Knowing that our plans were to stand with the nearly 500 women and men who came together for prayer and to support religious pluralism and tolerance, we were crestfallen at the prospect that...Read more...

Kaddish - The origins of this most famous Jewish prayer are shrouded in history.  Most agree that it began with the central words, “Y'hei Sh'mei Rabbah Mevorach L'Olam u'l'Almei Almaya,” or “May God's Name be praised now and forever.” One source suggests that the Kaddish was originally recited at the conclusion of a learning session in the study halls of ancient Israel. After engaging in the sacred task of...Read more...