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JEDx “No Compromises.”

The House proudly presents the 3rd Annual: JEDx “No Compromises.” We live in a Jewish generation that has its challenges. Every Jewish generation has its challenges. But one thing that I’ve always believed our generation needs more of, is a reminder of how resolute we are in the face of challenges, and how we need to […]

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Honouring our Past, Supporting our Future

I sat at my desk last week on Yom Hashoah, reflecting on the 6,000,000 souls murdered and on the countless survivors, some of whom are now my friends and all of whom are my heroes. Not only have they lived through unspeakable times, but they continue to live with those memories. I was reminded that […]

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A Response: Je Suis Juif & Shabbat Shalom (of Peace)

Dear Tzibbur/Community, Our email listserve provides us with a standard tool to merge the first names with each email sent, so that it is sent out personalized to you. That has proven to be more effective and impactful from a marketing and engagement perspective. “Dear Steve” or “Dear Aviva” just sounds more personal than “Dear […]

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Chanukah: Why Jewish Institutions are NOT Important?!

There is something so subtle, yet powerfully unique about Chanukah that really brings home the goal of every Jewish institution.  In fact, this power was one of the reasons behind the name choice of, “The House.”  Do you know what it is?  I’ll give you a hint: strong Jewish institutions do NOT ensure a strong Jewish future. […]

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Stop reading the news and cry..or at least try to.

I find myself caught up in the reporting, following the news, seeing the blatant and intentionally deceptive coverage….and I just want to take a step back – shut off the news and just cry, or at least TRY to cry and mourn the loss of 4 Jews who all lived on the same street. Rabbi […]

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Chag Sukkot Sameach

Sukkot – The journey is what is important… Sukkot is one of the 3 main Jewish holidays, which, along with Pesach and Shavuot are called the “Shalosh Regalim”. Pesach, as we know, celebrates God’s miraculous liberation of our ancestors from Egypt after their having been enslaved for over 200 years. Shavuot commemorates the day that […]

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A Short Pre Yom Kipper Inspirational Thought

As we  all prepare for Yom Kippur, getting ready for the fast – I just wanted to share a quick story that will hopefully stay with you, to not only make the fast easier, but inspire you to take advantage of the opportunity that the day affords! A close disciple, amidst a group of disciples, […]

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Shana Tova Wishes

I often find that while some days might go by slowly (VERY slowly – especially when you have bedtime for 8 kids), the years ALWAYS seem to race along. Is that just me, or is your head nodding as well? As such, it is hard to believe that Rosh Hashanah is in just a few […]

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Reflection for Tisha B’av: The solution is so close!

As I sit here on the eve of Tisha B’av – a day which we commemorate as our national day of mourning, a commemoration that we have held for thousands of years – I cannot help but think how painful it is that our national day of mourning is as relevant today as it has […]

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Why Do We Mourn During The Three Weeks?

On Tuesday, July 15th, we begin the “Three Weeks,” where we mourn the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem, and the subsequent exile of the Jewish People from the Land of Israel. This mourning period begins with the Fast of the 17th of Tammuz and concludes with the Fast of Tisha B’av […]

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