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There is a wonderful expression in modern Hebrew: Ein Koneh Savlanut B’chanut. It translates into “One cannot purchase patience in a store”, although the Hebrew rhyme in the last syllable of the last two words makes it more lyrical. While translating from one language into English sometimes leaves some of the flavor of the original text behind, I think that we get it. Patience is an...Read more...

In this week’s Torah portion, B’shalach, the Exodus occurs followed by the crossing of the sea. In ensuing portions, we witness the initial challenges that Moses faces as a leader, as this brand new nation of people, having lived under slavery for over 350 years, do not yet know what it means to be free. They complain that life was better back in Egypt, as they had food, lodging and ample...Read more...

The challenges that clergy have faced have expanded far beyond their expectations and skill sets over the years. Whether one might be a Rabbi, Cantor, Imam, Priest, Reverend, Pastor, or Nun, for example, what is required goes far beyond what one learned at a Seminary. Of particular note are two areas of concern: pandemics and politics. No clergy was trained in the appropriate steps to take...Read more...

The most valuable resource that any of us can possess is time. Yet unlike money, one cannot bank it for use at a later date. One cannot hold it in your hands, or interfere with its’ progression. As you are reading this blog (thank you for reading), the future has quickly become the past. It is only through age and wisdom that we learn how invaluable it is, and wish that there were occasions...Read more...

With the Winter Solstice occurring this past Monday, the day with the least amount of daylight in the year has passed, although that is independent of the seemingly non-stop overcast days here in Pittsburgh. Each consecutive day now adds about one minute of daylight more than the prior day. For those who light Shabbat candles every week, you will notice that each Friday the time is...Read more...