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Regrets and Second Chances  #834

06/24/2024 04:00:00 PM

Jun24

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat: Beha’a’lotcha

Regrets and Second Chances

It began just a few minutes after we arrived at Ben Gurion Airport. A feeling. A pain. A sense of betrayal. And a single word.

A few weeks ago, as we were leaving the Western Wall, my wife turned to me and asked: “Do you have any regrets?”

The Western Wall has that effect. Since 1969, I’ve visited Israel 18 times....Read more...

From Gaza to Tel Aviv: Seven Days in Israel  #833

06/14/2024 02:42:00 PM

Jun14

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

From Gaza to Tel Aviv: Seven Days in Israel

It began just a few minutes after we arrived at Ben Gurion Airport.

A feeling. A pain. A sense of betrayal. And a single word.

“Why?”

About a month ago, exhausted by a steady diet of links and news articles forwarded by colleagues, organizations and congregants, Patte and I decided to lead a small group to Sderot, a small city on the border with Gaza. We...Read more...

Revisiting October 7   #831

05/31/2024 04:00:00 PM

May31

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat: Bechukotai

Revisiting October 7

A teaching in the Mussar tradition takes issue with the idea that Moses parted the Sea of Reeds by merely lifting his arms.   

It contends that the sea was going to part anyway, but because Moses’ inner self was in complete balance, he happened to be in the right place at the right time.

The study of Mussar is complex; its founders contended that within...Read more...

Grudges: Is There an Expiration Date?  #830

05/24/2024 04:48:03 PM

May24

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat: Behar

Grudges: Is ther An Expiration Date?

Is there is limit to how long a person should hold a grudge?

I recently discussed this issue with a childhood friend, as we reflected upon some of our best and worst memories growing up.

Over time, many of us accumulate what I often refer to as “soul trash.” It could relate to a failed relationship or an outstanding personal loan.  Perhaps there...Read more...

Can We Disobey the Torah?  #829

05/17/2024 05:00:00 PM

May17

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat: Emor

Can We Disobey the Torah?

One of my favorite Talmud stories describes a debate among our ancient Sages regarding whether a newly invented oven is permissible for public use.

Can you imagine Samsung Israel developing a new appliance that would permit someone to cook a hamburger and a cheesecake at the same time?

In a religion that demands the separation of meat, something humanity takes by...Read more...

 God Blesses All Work #828

05/10/2024 05:00:00 PM

May10

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat: Kedoshim

God Blesses All Work

During the 17 years that I’ve been living in Glen Cove, I’ve grown to support certain businesses—the dry cleaner, the hairdresser, the coffee shop.

But perhaps one of the most interesting is the station where I purchase my gas.

I don’t know how it started—perhaps it was a cold day—or because it's located near the mechanic I use—but when I’m...Read more...

Which Goat are We?  #827

05/03/2024 05:30:00 PM

May3

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat: Acharei Mot

Which Goat are We?

Following a B’nai Mitzvah, I usually invite visitors to join me on the bimah, to ask questions and to comment on the service.

This provides an opportunity for guests and others to discuss prayers, rituals, and the weekly Torah portion.

It was always a positive exchange—until one Shabbat several years ago when I found myself being confronted by a...Read more...

The Bible's "Sexiest" Book  #826

04/26/2024 06:00:00 PM

Apr26

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Passover: Chol HaMoed

The Bible's "Sexiest" Book

Is it just me, or does spring 2024 feel just a bit colder, more bleak than in previous years? And, I’m not talking about the outdoor temperature.

If you are under 18 years of age, please delete this e-sermon. It contains erotic references—and may lead to feelings of sensuality, intimacy and passion.

These warnings were issued 1,900 years ago, as...Read more...

Death by Overwork  #824

04/12/2024 04:46:00 PM

Apr12

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat Tazria

Death By Overwork

About 12 years ago, Miwa Sado, a 31-year-old Japanese journalist, died suddenly.

That month, Sado—covering the Tokyo elections and the Japanese parliament—worked an estimated 159 overtime hours, an average seven overtime hours per day, as...Read more...

Hockey, Law and Joe Lieberman #823

04/05/2024 02:00:00 PM

Apr5

Rabbi Irwin Huberman

Parashat Shemini

Hockey, Law and Joe Lieberman

About two months ago, the New York Islanders hired Patrick Roy as their new head coach. As a hockey fan, I loved the decision. Patrick Roy led the Montreal Canadiens, the hockey team of my youth, to its last Stanley Cup. That was in 1993. But as...Read more...

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