In recognition of Shabbat Shuvah, and in memory of Ruth Bader Ginsburg Rabbi Sara Mason-Barkin, 9.25.2020 Shabbat Shuvah Congregation Beth Israel, Scottsdale, Arizona Dear Sela Penina, my daughter, my girl: Tonight is Shabbat Shuva, a Shabbat of turning — a time for turning inwards, for reflection on who and how…

Yizkor Reflections from a Passover Seder Last night at the dinner table we chatted about Passover. “It’s been hard,” my son said. “But not terrible.” “I hate matza!” my daughter whined (after begging me for yet another piece of matza slathered with Nutella earlier that afternoon). “Well, it’s supposed to…

And a secular New Year Yesterday morning I went outside around 8am. I noticed something strange. The air was not just crisp… it was cold. I shivered. On the grass was a strange, translucent sheen… something I remember from my youth in cold climates like Buffalo, and Chicago. Friends, the…

And in 2022, may you be blessed in all that you are. My father took to a certain custom when my brothers and I left for college. Before getting on the plane, he’d hug us close, and in his serious voice, he’d remind us, “Remember who you are.” We are…

On reports of discrimination, abuse, assault, and misconduct at Hebrew Union College. This is a story that starts in the middle. Last week, Hebrew Union College, the seminary at which both Rabbi Kahn and I were ordained, published the results of a major investigative report by an outside firm, Morgan…

Even on our darkest days. Before every Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Cantor and Rabbi Kahn or I gather with the family of the student who is entering this sweet rite of passage. We remind the student of all kinds of things: how hard they have worked, that this is not…

Or, how to build a rainbow. Earlier this week, I sat with a woman who had some questions about Judaism. She found me online — I assume, the result of a google search. She probably typed in ‘Jewish’ or ‘rabbi’ and ‘near me.’ I’m sure I’m not the only person…

And you shall be a blessing. A confession. I have never run a marathon. I know! You’re shocked, aren’t you. I have started the couch to 5K running program approximately 1,349 times. But no. I have never actually run a marathon, or even a 5K. Because, I’ll be honest —…

Where do we go when we die? Every so often, I find myself sitting in my office chair, across from a bereaved family. On the couch across from me, your eyes are red from crying. A mental checklist runs across your forehead, creased worry lines that burrow into your brow…