blogs/rabbi-huberman

In the early afternoon on the eve of the first Passover Seder, I stepped out of the Toronto airport terminal and caught the eye of a waiting taxi driver.

“I am next in line,” confirmed the turbaned driver. He was about 65, clad in a loose black top and pants. His black and grey beard glistened in the cool sunshine.

As he entered my...Read more...

A few weeks ago, a congregant asked me what I regarded as the most insightful Jewish movie of all time.

Her opinion was that it was Fiddler on the Roof. And who could argue?

Phrases like “May God keep the Czar far away from us.” “I realize it's no shame to be poor, but it's no great honor either,” and “How did this tradition get started? I'll tell you. I don't know.”...Read more...

In a few moments, I’m going to ask you whether you agree with Rabbi Joshua or Rabbi Eliezer.

Do you think the true Jewish New Year begins tonight, or will it arrive next September 25?

Most importantly, why should we care, and what does all of this have to do with events occurring overseas?

Welcome to the heart of a rabbinical debate — dating back 2,000...Read more...

Parashah Tzav

Like many of you, I have been watching events unfold in Ukraine, filled with admiration for the passion and sacrifice of the Ukrainian people.

Every day, I watch Ukrainian citizens truly stand up for freedom — reporting to militia or army offices and acquiring weapons, which in some countries, would be considered antiques.

It is a latter-day tale of David versus...Read more...

Parashah Pekudei

One of the greatest casualties we face today is the loss of faith in those we once trusted.

There was a time when — as a rule — governments, their leaders, and those who spoke for them were inspired by value systems, but recently too many regimes have abused their power to pursue campaigns of self-interest.

This is not new.

Jewish tradition took note of...Read more...