Rabbi’s Blog
A weekly message from Rabbi Cantor Menachem Mirski, Ph.D.

Wrestling vs submission

Rosh Hashanah 5785 Day 2  

There’s a humorous saying in Judaism: “We Jews believe in one God—at most.” Now, this may elicit a chuckle, but it speaks volumes about the dynamic nature of the Jewish spiritual tradition.

Conservative Judaism embodies a thoughtful openness to modernity, balanced by a profound reverence Continue Reading

Beyond Peace: The Ethical Imperative and Complex Interfaith Dynamics in Jewish Tradition

Thoughts on Parashat Toldot

History is undeniably complex. Our traditions teach us to discern between right and wrong, good and evil, but the realities of historical events are often far from black and white. We can confidently assert that Nazi Germany needed to be defeated to restore global peace and stability. However, Continue Reading

Finding Joy in Turbulent Times: Rejoicing on Sukkot Through Reframing Challenges

Thoughts on Shabbat Sukkot 5786

Jewish holidays follow two essential patterns.

Some are joyous celebrations, while others are more solemn. But all Jewish holidays do more than invite celebration—they also challenge us deeply.

Pesach challenges us in several ways, beginning with its strict eating restrictions: no chametz, no legumes, no Continue Reading

Reinventing Our Lives in Abundance and Turbulence

Rosh Hashanah, Day 1 – 5786

We gather today as a diverse community, bringing with us many perspectives on the times in which we live. For some, these are frightening days; for others, days filled with hope. I would describe our moment as one of interest—a time that is both turbulent and abundant, provoking reactions that are often diverse, Continue Reading

The “small” and the “big” transgressions

Thoughts on parashat Vayikra 5785.

Moshe was very bothered about the sin he committed, namely, that he didn’t wash his hands and didn’t say a blessing before he ate. So he decided to see his rabbi, to confess the sin hoping that it would make him feel better: “Rabbi, last week Continue Reading

Community in Motion

Thoughts on parashat Vayakhel 5785.

When we get to the Torah portions that meticulously lay out all the details of how the Mishkan was built – who among us has not thought – WHY all these details? Because there is a profound meaning behind the details. As always, the devil (in this case God) is in the details. 

Continue Reading

Mike, Joyce, and the Enduring Beauty of Judaism.

Thoughts on parashat Ki Tisa 5785.

Last Wednesday, after a full day cooking at the synagogue for our Purim dinner, Rivkah, Joyce, Mike, and I decided to go out for dinner. But first, we had to stop by Joyce and Mike’s house, as they were eager to show us the incredible packages filled with homemade hamantaschen they Continue Reading

Perseverance and organized effort

Thoughts on parashat Bo 5785

There is a talmudic story about a Rabbi who traveled to a foreign city, and asked a little boy what’s the best way to enter that city. 

“Which is the road leading to the city?” asked Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananya of a youngster sitting at a crossroads. “This is the shorter one,” Continue Reading

Wandering Among Disasters

Thoughts on Parashat Vayechi (and Shemot) 5785

Once, a wise rabbi taught his students about the internal struggle within each person. He said, “Inside every one of us, there are two souls. One soul embodies our desires for anger, jealousy, and negativity. The other soul represents love, compassion, and hope. “ Continue Reading

Advantages of Old Age

Thoughts on Parashat Vayigash 5785

A man, very advanced in his age, calls an insurance company and says that he wants to buy insurance. The agent says: “Good, very good, how old are you?” The man says: “I’m a hundred years old.” “100 hundred years old???” – replies the Continue Reading