Rabbi Linda's blog

This month we will celebrate the graduation/ordination of our rabbinic intern, Aya Baron. Aya graduates the RRC on May 19th. We will mark her upcoming transition to rabbi at services at BI on May 4th. Two weeks later, on May 18th, we will honor and celebrate BI members who are graduating High School, also at Shabbat morning services.

At this tender and difficult time in the world and for our people it is important to mark and to savor...Read more...

On the Jewish calendar the Hebrew month of Adar is an invitation to cultivate joy. In the book of Esther, read on Purim, the text states: “That month was reversed for them from grief to joy” (Esther 9:22). In other words, the month of Adar was declared a month of happiness, not because the people were already joyful but because they were full of grief that shifted to joy.

In the cold, dark winter, with the news of the world...Read more...

The AntiRacism Coordinating Committee has planned a full program for the upcoming winter months, including a movie night, a guest speaker, a zoom conversation on a learning module and a focus on an important book. Most of these programs center the theme of racial justice in the criminal justice system. 

As the Jewish community grapples with rising antisemitism, this work feels more important than ever*. As our concerns for Jewish...Read more...

“Allow yourself to be at a loss for words” may be the most helpful words since the nightmare began on October 7. I've added a nightly practice of offering psalms on behalf of safety, healing, peace. I have ongoing contact with loved ones in Israel. I take in news judiciously, not overburdening myself with more than I can stomach in a day. I lean into the spiritual practices of prayer, Torah study, mussar, meditation and connection. I...Read more...

“Happy Yom Kippur” is not a phrase that rolls off the tongue. We wish each other an easy fast or a meaningful day, and these are appropriate salutations. Yet contrary to popular belief, Yom Kippur has been understood as one of the most joyful days on our Jewish calendar.    The Talmud teaches that it is deeply joyful as it contains the elements of pardon and forgiveness. It is a day where we can feel the joy that accompanies...Read more...