These are some of my published articles, essays, sermons, and musings.
Counting the Omer for 2012
For the past few years, we’ve reclaimed the tradition of counting the Omer at our Temple. I like it because of the anticipation of counting up (not down!) to Shavuot, the anniversary of the receiving of the Torah, and celebrating our Confirmation students. Certainly as Jews we mark time through the passing of Torah portions, the observance of various holidays, but during the counting of the Omer, we count each day as a special reminder of the festival to come following Pesakh.
Sholem Aleichem dir, Amerike!
I’m really looking forward to singing with the Jewish People’s Philharmonic Chorus in their production of Sholem Aleichem dir, Amerike! The 1956 Birnbaum/Rauch operetta, is based on Sholom Aleichem’s Motl, Peyse dem khazns (“Motl, Peyse the Cantors’ Son”), and was recorded in 1959 with Molly Picon in the role of Motl. I’ll be one of the soloists in this production. Time to brush up on my Yiddish! You can get all the details here.
Hazzanut and Jazz with the Afro-Semitic Experience
For those of you who missed the concert, please watch the highlights! More video to come! (more…)