"What if?" "Lulei" and Counterfactuals for the New Year (Rosh HaShanah eve 2017)

This Hebrew year 5777 that is now coming to an end - it could have been different. You probably think I have some specifics in mind -- which...

Hurricane Harvey - helping those who are affected

This is the note I sent to my synagogue community on August 28, 2017.  The images of the devastation of Hurricane  Harvey , in Houston and o...

What does the Torah say about ... insurance?

Every so often I will get a question from someone in this community or outside of it, of the form “Rabbi, what does Judaism say about X?” L...

Hoboken shelter Civic Champion award to Erica Seitzman: presentation by Phil Cohen

This week, USH member Erica Seitzman was honored by the Hoboken Shelter. The following is the text of the speech delivered by USH member Ph...