Korach Num 16:1 – 18:32   Rabbi Baht Weiss There is nothing more dangerous to a society or an organization than a rebellion.  In this week’s parsha, a man named Korach (along with two hundred and fifty men) rose up against Moses and Aaron and said to them:  “You have gone too far! For all the […]

Shelach L’cha Num 13:1 – 15:41  Rabbi Gary Pokras  Israelis are not known as the most patient people in the world. When I lived in Israel in the 90s there were no lines at the bus stop to get on the bus. As the driver opened the door, everyone dove in, and the winner was […]

BeHa’alotecha Num. 8:1 – 12:16  Rabbi Baht Yameem Weiss  In her book, “Leadership in the Wilderness,” Dr. Erica brown writes, “the role of preparation and organization in facing uncertainty cannot be underestimated.”  We look to our leaders to guide us in moments of change.  Leaders can also become the recipients of blame if anything goes […]

Naso  Num. 4:21 – 7:89  Rabbi Gary Pokras  I’m not sure when, exactly, we turned a cultural corner in contemporary secular culture, but at some point “doubling-down” on questionable behavior or decisions became seen as a sign of strength while honestly questioning ourselves on what we have done or said became a sign of weakness. […]

Shavuot Ex. 19:1 – 20:23; Num. 28:26-31  Rabbi Gary Pokras  As we celebrate our zman matan Torah, our festival of the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, we often focus on chapter 20 of Exodus: the 10 Commandments themselves. However, there is rich learning available to us in the immediate lead-up to Sinai. Towards […]

BeMidbar Num. 1:1 – 4:20  Rabbi Baht Yameem Weiss  In a few weeks, my youngest son will be graduating from preschool here at Beth Ami.  It will be a bit of a transition for both of us.  Ethan is nervous about leaving his safe community and the friends he knows and loves and going off […]