This Torah portion, in which the Torah is given, strangely is named after Yitro—Moses’ father-in-law who was not a Jew, but a priest of Midian. Why? What is so special about Yitro? I think the answer may lie in a perplexing medrash. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 94a) states: “It was taught in the name of Rabbi…

I traveled to Alabama last week with a group of Rabbis under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. It was a powerful trip exploring the places which were pivotal in the civil rights movement and talking to the people who organized it, led it and marched in it. I learned a great…

Today a national NBA basketball star, Amar’e Stoudemire, joined us for daveing.  Now retired from playing and a coach of the Brooklyn Nets, this almost seven foot tall black convert to Judaism is inspired to daven with a minyan wherever he is.  He has no want for money or honor, I’m sure he can have…

Moshe’s heart is in the right place, he takes action to defend the weak and cares about those who are suffering.  Nevertheless, for three reasons Moshe does not seem like a very good choice as leader.  (1) He thinks himself incapable, telling God over and over that this is the case.  But it is in…