by Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg | Feb 28, 2020 | Community, Religion, Spirituality
While driving my daughter to school recently, I saw a bumper sticker which read, God > 1, and spent several minutes trying to figure out what it meant. Was the driver a pagan and this was a polemic against monotheism? Were they a mystic who understands God as... read more
by Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg | Dec 26, 2019 | Community, Religion
A bicycle ride from Jerusalem to Eilat brings Israel and the environment powerfully into focus. The Torah tells us Adam, the first human, was created from Adamah (ground). Rabbi Arthur Waskow, noticing the pun, calls Adam the “first earthling.” Being “of” the earth is... read more
by Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg | Oct 30, 2019 | Community, Religion, Spirituality
A key Jewish value is k’vod habriot, honor afforded by us to all human beings. It’s common for social justice-minded people to seek out opportunities for justice. As the Torah instructs: “Justice, justice you shall pursue” (Deut. 16:20). But sometimes, justice can... read more
by Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg | Sep 12, 2019 | Community, Religion, Spirituality
The High Holy Day season offers us several potent images and metaphors. The shofar, the ram, apples and honey, white clothing and Torah finery all feature prominently this time of year. Another compelling image is that of gates, specifically the gates of heaven... read more
by Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg | Jul 12, 2019 | Community, Religion, Spirituality
By reinforcing the foundations of communities, great social justice achievements can be celebrated. One of the things they don’t train you for in rabbinical school is building construction. But as Beth Am’s major renovations have progressed, I’ve come to learn much... read more
Read the latest views and thoughts from Jmore Publisher Scott Rifkin, MD 