Condemning Violence in Houses of Worship
Today, I signed onto the following statement: ORANGE COUNTY RELIGIOUS LEADERS UNITE TO CONDEMN VIOLENCE IN HOUSES OF WORSHIP We, religious leaders and teachers from various faith communities, offer our condolences to the families and friends of worshippers around the world killed in the name of God or religion. WeContinue Reading
Young Adult Discussion in Newport Beach
Last week, I led a text-based discussion for young adults at a brewery as the third in three months of my monthly “Beer, Bible and Brewery” series. Discussing forbidden sexual partners in the Torah, it took place at Newport Beach Brewing.Continue Reading
November 2014 Monthly Minute
Having been inspired a few weeks ago to post videos about my work, I have begun a new project. I am calling it my “Monthly Minute”, whereby I post a video lasting 60 seconds or less wherein I describe highlights of my work in the previous month. I just postedContinue Reading
Sukkot Activities with Beach Hillel
Last month, in addition to leading a discussion for young adults in Orange County, I was involved in several of Beach Hillel‘s activities for Sukkot. For starters, I worked with students and staff to put up the on-campus sukkah at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), as well as toContinue Reading
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF RABBIS STATEMENT ON THE VICIOUS TERROR ATTACK PERPETRATED IN JERUSALEM, ISRAEL ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 18
The Orange County Board of Rabbis stands with the people of Jerusalem and the State of Israel at this tragic moment of sadness. The inhuman murder of innocent worshippers in a sacred place of prayer and study is an affront to all humankind. Our hearts are joined with all whoContinue Reading
Discussion at CSULB Focussed on Conduct of War in the Torah
On Monday, I led a text-based conversation for Long Beach Hillel at California State University, Long Beach on what the Torah says about conducting war. We focussed on several passages from the book of Deuteronomy, in which we see the most about this topic. The topic was chosen for the monthlyContinue Reading
Discussion of Sexual Positions in Judaism
Last night, I led a discussion for young adults on sexual positions in Judaism, which was a lively conversation. As part of my work enriching the lives of young adults, sex comes up not infrequently. So, in a Long Beach version of a discussion I led over a year-and-a-half ago inContinue Reading
Speaking with Redlands Hillel
Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with dozens of students at University of Redlands in collaboration with their Hillel, followed up with a visit to continue the conversations at a local brewery. On Thursday evening, I went to University of Redlands to speak with students to discuss JewishContinue Reading
Speaking on Interfaith Panel at CSULB on Climate Change
Last night, I spoke on an interfaith panel on the topic of climate change and environmental stewardship, representing the Jewish perspective. Taking place at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), the panel discussion was put together by the nascent Interfaith Project at CSULB. Questions under consideration for the panel wereContinue Reading
“Witches and Brews 2” in Orange County
Upon popular request at the end of Wednesday’s “Witches & Brews” event as part of my “Bible & Brewery” series, I held a sequel event in Orange County. Returning to Bootlegger’s Brewery in Fullerton, “Witches & Brews 2” featured an exploration of texts from rabbinic literature on witches and witchcraft.Continue Reading