Eulogy for Hazzan Rebibo Z”L

This week, the highly esteemed and beloved Hazzan Emeritus of Magen David Sephardic Congregation, Mr. David Rebibo, passed away at the age of 95. His funeral was held on Wednesday at noon. I cannot claim that the eulogy I delivered was a sufficient tribute to his...

Invocation for Senator McCain

As reported in the current edition of the Washington Jewish Week, I was invited to deliver an invocation in support of Senator John McCain at a Jewish fundraiser for his presidential campaign last Sunday.The full text of the invocation I composed and delivered can be...

Politics and Propaganda

I recently received an article by Cathryn Michon entitled “Beyond the Palin”as an email forward. Apparently, the piece has been circulated widely on the Internet, and held up as a very persuasive critique of the McCain-Palin ticket.As a registered...

Tisha B’Av Letter

The following is a letter I wrote to my congregation in anticipation of Tisha B’av this coming Sunday. I thought I would share it with the readership of this blog as well: Dear Friends, As you all know, Tisha B’av will be observed this year beginning Saturday...

Nehamat Yaaqov 5768

I am proud to once again present “Nehamat Yaaqov”, a compendium of the essential laws of the Three Weeks and Tisha B’av. Many thanks to those who provided feedback that was helpful in revising and otherwise improving the work. You can download a PDF...

Fasting and Mourning

From the perspective of halakha and also of experience, fasting and mourning share a great deal in common. On a basic level, both involve a somber attitude, a withdrawal from creature comforts, and a tendency to introspection. In terms of observance, there is a...
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