Author Archives: rabbisteinman

Yesterday I learned that Rabbi Edward M. Tenenbaum ז”ל passed away.  Rabbi Tenenbaum was the rabbi at my grandparents’ synagogue, Temple Beth Zion, in Los Angeles.  He was 92 years old. I think when I was little (we’re talking very … Continue reading →

For the past week I have moved to what I like to think of my northern summer office, URJ Camp George.  For the past three summers I have spent a week on beautiful Maple Lake.  This year the weather has … Continue reading →

My fellow rabbis at Temple Sinai, Michael Dolgin and Erin Polonsky and I are talking about our High Holy Day sermons before they’re even entirely complete!  That’s right, each one of us is ‘tweeting’ about one of our sermons @tweetsofawe.  … Continue reading →

Dear Mom and Dad, Happy anniversary!  I hope it isn’t too embarrassing that now the whole blogosphere knows about your anniversary, but after 34 years you deserve it. Obviously, thanks for getting married.  I know that as your child the … Continue reading →

(My biggest fan, the DIVA wants more personal posts and less articles.  So…) That’s right, dear reader.  The month of Elul has begun.  In synagogueland this means things are in high gear for membership renewals, sermon writing, religious school starting, … Continue reading →

To my father and Uncle H! They were the only two who responded which perspective they ‘liked’ the most.

First there was clergy burnout. Then there was the reality of houses of worship becoming places for entertainment instead of or in addition to meaning. And then there’s Rabbi Laura Geller hitting the nail on the head. What do you … Continue reading →

The various rabbis who articulated their understanding of what it means to be a rabbi today in North America are pretty much right on the money. In my own words, a rabbi’s role is to be a spiritual guide.  To … Continue reading →

Dear reader, I saw this very interesting compilation of explanation (divided by Jewish denomination) in Moment.  The question is asked, ‘what is the rabbi’s role in modern [North] America?’ Please read it, and let me know which of the opinions … Continue reading →

1.  Hooray for Prop 8 being overturned!  Yay for Judge Walker and his thoughtful analysis of the case. 2.  Way to go Senate and Elena Kagan.  There are three women on the Supreme Court now. 3.  Shabbat Shalom!