Author Archives: rabbisteinman

Today was one of “those days.” I got to be a rabbi today. That was wonderful. I prepared some words of Torah, I met with congregants, I worked on the forth coming CCAR convention, and I evaluated some student work … Continue reading →

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’Olam matir asurim – Blessed are You, Adonai our God infinite Sovereign who frees captives. Every morning we recite this blessing and since Saturday night when our siblings in Colleyville fought for their escape from … Continue reading →

Tonight, again, I light the yartzeit candle. For 11 years, on the 5th of Kislev, I remember you. The cruel twist is that I don’t need to light a candle to remember you. You’re in every dish I cook, every … Continue reading →

We keep saying it over and over again. “I can’t wait for things to get back to normal.” We have such high hopes for normal. We will take that trip to Europe we planned, or have our grandchildren sleep over. … Continue reading →

My sermon tonight is in the form of a letter to a guiding light of the Jewish people. 1 Tishrei 5782/6 September 2021 Dear Rav Avraham Yisrael haCohen Kook,          Shanah tovah, Happy new year. Our High Holy day theme … Continue reading →

I feel very fortunate to contribute to two articles, one I wrote and one in which I was interviewed this week. The Austin American-Statesman published “Chance to meet God anywhere as Jews prepare for the new year,” on Saturday. Yesterday, … Continue reading →

It has been a difficult few days. The abhorrent violence in our nation’s Capitol on Wednesday has left many scared, angry, and sleepless. Whatever our political leanings, the desecration through violence of the halls of Congress and the hate-filled, antisemitic, … Continue reading →

As the sun sets and the first Shabbat of 2021 begins, and we read the final words of the book of Genesis. In this portion, Jacob blesses his children as he prepares for death. So, on this Shabbat I too … Continue reading →

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda When I was growing up and would suffer a disappointment, losing a soccer game because an opposing player found the back of the net despite my efforts as goalie, not being cast in a role I wanted … Continue reading →

Tonight, the 5th day of Kislev, I will light a yartzeit candle before we kindle the Shabbat candles to mark my mom’s yartzeit. 10 years ago according to the Hebrew calendar, my mom died. (Thanks to my amazing wife for … Continue reading →