Dear Families,  Though, as Jews, we are in the habit of expressing our gratitude, now more than ever, we give thanks for the gift of our strong and safe Jewish community. As we pray for the safe release of the hostages, we are reminded that all Jewish people are family, and we must look after one another. Whether single or married, widowed or engaged, empty-nesters or Double-Income-No-Kids, you are part of the Temple Emanu-El family, and we are thankful for you.   On Thanksgiving, just as on Shabbat, my family goes around the dinner table to reflect on the past. In this case, all of the family events of the past year since last Thanksgiving. As I am sure it is with all families, we have all shared many joys and oys-moments of exultation and sorrow.  As Jews, as a forever hopeful people, I believe it is an ingrained part of our culture to have these complex moments of gratitude. We experience sadness or suffering, yet we also find moments to appreciate the goodness and love around … [Read more...]

After the rally on Tuesday, it is as clear as ever that our community is stronger when we come together. Another gathering of 290,000 Jews is not likely to happen anytime soon, but we can find strength even (maybe especially) when we gather in small groups, too. For decades, we've called these small groups a Chavurah. At Temple Emanu-El, that means a group of congregants in the same stage of life who come together for all sorts of occasions-most importantly, to create a place where everyone can feel pride in their Jewish identity. We've learned that we can replicate that warmth, pride, and love of Judaism when other Jewish families and friends are there for us.    Now more than ever, we want as many congregants as possible to be in a chavurah, and we have members of our Board of Trustees who are making it happen. If you click HERE, we will get you started with a chavurah right away.  In this week's Torah portion, we learn about the blessing that comes when we gather together. We reread … [Read more...]

This week, we marked the end of the Shloshim period of mourning, 30 days after the unfathomable atrocities that occurred in Israel on October 7th. At the same time, this is the week we read the Torah portion which includes Abraham's burial of Sarah. Abraham, a stranger who journeyed to Canaan from far away, wants to bury his wife in the ancient city of Hebron. The Hittites, who were then in the land, would have happily given Abraham a burial place free of charge-a generous offer, but one that could be rescinded as it was a gift and not a business deal. Instead, Abraham insists on purchasing a burial plot in a cave in the field of Machpelah facing the city of Hebron.   Today, we, Abraham's descendants, are back in our ancient land, and the Hittites are relegated to the history books.  Our connection to this sliver of space is ancient and eternal, but over the last 30 days, countless people have questioned our legitimacy in this land. Once again, we must defend our claim that, since the … [Read more...]

When I was a student at the University of Maryland ('11), I distinctly remember feeling safe being a Jew on campus. My AEPi house and the Hillel never faced antisemitic graffiti, I never had an issue getting an excused absence for Jewish holidays, and our annual Israel festival was proudly celebrated on the largest campus quad in the country, McKeldin Mall. Being outwardly Jewish at the University of Maryland was an easy, positive, and even unremarkable experience. I think my experience at UMD was the status quo for most Jews in America. In the years since, and especially in the last three weeks, Jewish students around the country have faced a very different reality. Since October 7th, when walking on campus or in their classrooms, Jewish students have faced unprecedented levels of antisemitism. Dorm rooms have been defaced and antisemitic messaging has been found on campus sidewalks.  Enough is enough.   Our children deserve to feel safe to be Jewish at their colleges and … [Read more...]

This week's Torah portion, Lech Lecha, famously begins with God calling out to Abraham & Sarah to move themselves forward, and simultaneously to journey inward, towards the land that they had not yet seen…but would eventually be shown.   Israel. The journey from Haran (Syria) to Canaan (Israel) for this Jewish family was not quick, or straight, or easy.  Even after they arrived, there were times that they were forced to leave due to famine and had to sojourn down to Egypt (foreshadowing the Joseph narrative). While en route, Abraham's nephew, Lot, and his family are caught up in a war raid, and taken capture behind enemy lines.  For most of human history, this would be 'the end', for those who would risk lives in further war to save those innocents who were held hostage. Do you see where I am going with this? Abraham refuses to abandon his family, and he gathers his own men from his household.  In a daring night-time raid, Abraham himself leads the attack to free Lot and the … [Read more...]