Torah Portion | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

Torah Portion

D’Var Torah: Getting vaccinated is a moral act

D’Var Torah: Getting vaccinated is a moral act

Posted on: August 31st, 2021 | 23 Elul 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

  The Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe) are quickly upon us. In years past, we may have felt as individuals that we are unprepared for the introspection this season demands. This year especially, the demands of our world have made the endeavor of preparing for this season even more pressing and important. Like last year, […]

D’Var Torah: Hillel the elder – ‘Do not separate yourself from the community’ 

D’Var Torah: Hillel the elder – ‘Do not separate yourself from the community’ 

Posted on: August 2nd, 2021 | 24 Av 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

  I stepped up to the bimah at Congregation Sons of Abraham here in La Crosse exactly two years ago. My first year was engaged in getting to know the people, the families, the history and the seasonal rhythms of this warm and loving community.  My predecessor – the esteemed Rabbi Simcha Prombaum – had […]

D’Var Torah: What happens when King Balak seeks to drive the Hebrews out? 

D’Var Torah: What happens when King Balak seeks to drive the Hebrews out? 

Posted on: June 2nd, 2021 | 22 Sivan 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

  There are those in this world who have earned a reputation for perpetuating bigotry and espousing hatred. We can predict what these people will say before they even open their mouths. When the roles of our leaders blur with the ideals of influencers and celebrities, our collective mission can become stifled by the loudest […]

D’Var Torah – Education: the uncompromising standard 

Posted on: May 9th, 2021 | 27 Iyyar 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

  In anticipation of the revelation at Sinai – the climactic moment of Matan Torah – G-d requested that the Jewish people provide guarantors who will ensure that the Torah remains relevant forever.  As related in the Midrash, the Jews first nominated our three patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Each one of these spiritual giants […]

D’Var Torah: G-d’s admonition to avoid a ‘prowling tongue’

Posted on: April 1st, 2021 | 19 Nisan 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

  In today’s times there are many unbelievable things happening, many sad events, sickness, many tragedies, so much confusion, and we simply don’t know what to make of this!  Jewish tradition tells us that before G-d created the world He first studied the Torah and from there He created the world. In a very deep […]

D’Var Torah: The Seder builds our communal memory  

D’Var Torah: The Seder builds our communal memory  

Posted on: March 3rd, 2021 | 19 Adar 5781 by Rob Golub

  The table is majestically adorned, with the silver candlesticks standing regally at its center. The flames dance with excitement and anticipation. Family and friends hustle about, making sure everything is ready. The children keenly observe and participate; you can feel their sense of wonder and joy. Tonight, we have gathered to tell a magnificent […]

For Tu B’Shevat, be a tree 

Posted on: January 10th, 2021 | 26 Tevet 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

  I am a tree. My roots are strong as I try to center myself in this world with a sturdy trunk, both emotionally and physically. My limbs hold the burdens we are afflicted with and joy experienced, yet my branches reach far, for I am nourished by my thirst for life and learning, the […]

D’Var Torah: Bravery is a choice we can make 

Posted on: November 30th, 2020 | 14 Kislev 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

“Can a man still be brave if he’s afraid?”  “That is the only time a man can be brave.”  In the first chapter of “Game of Thrones,” Ned Stark responds to his son’s question about the relationship between fear and bravery. One leads to the other. All throughout literature, history and pop culture there are […]

D’Var Torah: We can aspire to grow in our loving 

Posted on: September 30th, 2020 | 12 Tishri 5781 by Special to the Chronicle

  “To Love Another Person is to See the Face of God.” – Victor Hugo, Les Miserables  Parashat Beresheet is such a powerful and meaningful portion that we get to read much of it on Simchat Torah and immediately afterwards on the following Shabbat, not to mention the days in between.    It contains God speaking […]

D’Var Torah: Rosh Hashanah this year offers a chance for renewal  

D’Var Torah: Rosh Hashanah this year offers a chance for renewal  

Posted on: September 1st, 2020 | 12 Elul 5780 by Special to the Chronicle

  I’ll admit it, there’s been a lot of idle scrolling in my world during the pandemic. I find myself scrolling through the news, stories, COVID-19 numbers, and who’s doing what on Facebook. One of the memes that has caught my eye during this scrolling time warp says, “I’m going to stay awake until midnight […]