Unpacking Identity: Why “Other” is Sometimes the Best Answer
As often happens, I find myself overflowing with ideas after listening to a podcast episode, and today is no different. Yesterday, while listening to a discussion about Sephardi and […]
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Is it permissible for Jewish children to go trick-or-treating on Halloween?
What a complex question! On the surface, Halloween might seem like a simple secular holiday in America, similar to Thanksgiving. However, when we examine Halloween’s origins, we find that […]
Passing Through: Avram’s Journey and Sacred Spaces – Parashat Lekh Lekha
When Avram arrives in Canaan, the Torah notes: “Abram passed through the land as far as the site of Shechem, at the Terebinth of Moreh; and the Canaanites were […]
My Favorite Podcasts
Over the past several years, podcasts have become very popular. It is estimated that over 584 million people globally are currently listening to podcasts, and the number is projected […]
The Many Faces of Temimut: Innocence, Integrity, and Struggle
The Torah introduces Noach with striking praise: אֵלֶּה תּוֹלְדֹת נֹחַ נֹחַ אִישׁ צַדִּיק תָּמִים הָיָה בְּדֹרֹתָיו אֶת־הָאֱלֹהִים הִתְהַלֶּךְ־נֹחַ׃ “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a righteous man, […]
Parashat Bereshit: Let There Be Light: Creation, Redemption, and the Return Home
Parashat Bereshit begins with darkness. The Torah’s opening words describe the earth as tohu va’vohu—formless and void—with darkness covering everything. It is a haunting image of chaos and confusion. […]
When Allies Don’t Understand: Unpacking Jewish Identity After October 7
This week marks the second anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack on Israel—the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and hundreds […]
Parshat Eikev: Gratitude and Humility
One of the core spiritual teachings in Parshat Eikev is the intertwining of gratitude and humility, particularly in moments of achievement and abundance. As Moses addresses the Israelites before they […]
When Silence is not an option: Grappling with Israel and Antisemitism
Since October 7, whenever we gather with friends or relatives, conversation inevitably turns to three interconnected topics: politics in the United States, Israel, and antisemitism. My intention for rabbiphil.net […]
Kahanut (Priesthood)
Question: I have a Kohen question. My married name is Cohen. I don’t think one can be a Kohen by way of marriage. However, my mother’s maiden name was Cohen. […]