As we continue our trek from Egypt to Sinai, to Redemption and the gift of Torah,

I am moved by ‘Redemption Song,’ knowing our story is sadly not ours alone and is still unfulfilled for too many.

Last night we gathered for Yom HaShoah, the second while our people remain prisoners, held hostage.

Wishing for Shabbat Shalom

#BringThemHomeNOw

 

We mourn the loss of Pope Francis

The world mourns the passing of Pope Francis.  He was an extraordinary and holy man. At the age of 88, it is difficult to consider his death untimely, yet indeed, it feels that way.  His pursuit of love remains a lesson unfulfilled despite his tireless efforts to lead the world toward such a place.

Naomi and I had the privilege of an audience with the Pope while in Rome a few years back.  The charismatic presence was matched only by the exuberance of a faithful crowd. The encounter was memorable and moving.

His work on behalf of the poor and the suffering in the pursuit of peace and love was incredible, a mixture of Herculean and Sisyphean.  But as our sage, Rabbi Tarfon shares in Pirkei Avot, although we may never complete the task, we cannot desist from it.  Pope Francis leaned into the daunting, hard work of bringing a voice to the voiceless and the best values of the Church as a beacon into the darkness.

May his soul be bound in everlasting life.  May he rest in Peace.

 

Miranda wasn’t a hero What his case represented was heroic

Have you informed him of his Miranda Rights?

It’s deeply embedded in our understanding of the system.

“You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can and will be used against you…” Many of us can even repeat the words quoted at every arrest and in every cop show we watch on TV.

Miranda was somewhat of a lowlife.  He confessed to rape, but that conviction was overturned because the Supreme Court determined his confession was improper.  Miranda was tried without his confession and subsequently convicted.

Protection from self-incrimination is regarded as a fundamental right under our principle of innocent until proven guilty. This right is enshrined in the 5th Amendment, which explicitly safeguards individuals against self-incrimination.  Additional protections also exist, including the right to counsel and due process as established in the 6th and 14th Amendments, respectively. It is the responsibility of the government to prove guilt, not the obligation of the defendant to prove innocence. This distinction makes our system unique and enviable.

We are willing to let a guilty person go free rather than wrongfully convict an innocent individual. This means that sometimes bad guys “get away with it” because we want to protect the innocent. The system is flawed and abused. However, this sets us apart from many other legal systems and is the envy of the free world, limiting the government’s power from steamrolling over whoever it decides to target.  These rights were denied to Abrego Garcia when he was abruptly taken to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador.

It is not that Abrego Garcia is a good guy or a bad guy. He has never had access to the protections our system offers. Bring him back into the legal system for proper adjudication. Present the evidence, make the arguments, and let the chips fall where they may. We cannot risk the implications of denying Abrego Garcia his rights; we could only ask, Who’s Next?

Z’man Cheruteinu- The Time of our Freedom

Passover asks us hard questions about what it means to be free and what our obligation is to those who are not.

Passover celebrates the redemption of our people from bondage. It is at the center of what it means to be Jewish. But it is a paradox. What does it mean to be free, particularly when our brethren are held hostage under deplorable, cruel conditions when fighting for freedom against an enemy that comes at the cost of innocents caught up in the battles?

As we gather around the Seder table this year, we celebrate. However, our celebration requires us to commit to helping those who are still not free. Break the middle matzah and hide the Afikomen for dessert later. Share the other piece as a symbol of sharing even this meager bread with those who are hungry.

No one is truly free until all are free. Whether we quote Fannie Lou Hammer, Maya Angelou, or our sacred tradition, we still have work to do to help others find their way to freedom.

Chag Pesach Sameach

#BringThemHomeNow

at the Cusp of Shabbat and Pesach

Shabbat is approaching and Pesach follows immediately thereafter.  I am taking a moment from the preparations to share the beautiful rendition of Stand By Me.  It is a fitting prayer seeking Divine connection.  Enjoy Music Travel Love as they share their beautiful rendition.

Shabbat Shalom

#BringThemHome

Why is this Passover different from all others?

As we gather around the Seder table, we find ourselves in a moment that feels uniquely challenging. While previous generations have confronted serious issues, the current landscape is unlike anything we’ve encountered in recent memory. The ongoing war is relentless, with no end in sight and no plan for what follows. Hostages remain trapped, seemingly without hope for redemption. Furthermore, we are witnessing a rise in anti-Israel sentiment, along with a resurgence of Antisemitism not just abroad but right here in the United States. Fear and anxiety permeate our lives, and rather than coming together to confront these threats, we often find ourselves at odds with each other. This moment in time is fraught with tension.

However, we have the power to respond constructively, with unity and compassion.

By gathering at the Seder table, we embody the spirit of inclusion with our declaration: “Whoever is hungry, come and eat!” This Passover, our hunger for spiritual and emotional support is palpable. Let us set aside our differences to share and celebrate the profound story of our people’s redemption, recognizing that each of us connects to this narrative in our own distinctive way. Our tradition highlights four individuals asking different questions—a reflection of our diverse perspectives. We ought to welcome one another, fostering an environment of understanding even amidst spirited discussions. The Shalom Bayit, the peace of the Seder table, and our unity must prevail. Now, more than ever, we need each other. This Passover, let us cherish our time with family and community, share the powerful story of redemption and freedom, and be grateful that we have one another in these trying times.

Wishing you a Zissen Pesach!

 

Free Palestine

AP Photo/ Jehad Alshrafi

We are witnessing the most extraordinary acts of courage.  Thousands of Palestinians are in the streets demanding an end to the war and an end to the brutal Hamas regime.  Knowing the severe punishment for this act of defiance by tyrants, they are protesting the horrors they endure.

Such bravery is rarely displayed; we must move quickly to bolster this movement before it is brutally repressed and these leaders killed.

These individuals are the ones with whom peace can be achieved.  These Palestinians are ready to fight for their rights with a passion that recognizes the longing for a future for their children and surpasses the ideology that exploits them as instruments of war in support of a distorted Hobson’s choice of endless death and destruction.

We have a vested interest in helping these people by strengthening their voices through aid and security, providing them with a foothold and a respectful path to self-rule with dignity and safety alongside their neighbor, Israel.

Palestinians have been victimized for far too long.  The perpetuation of their refugee status on their land is unacceptable.  These people have been subject to the manipulation of outside powers seeking political regional hegemony and the destruction of the State of Israel.  It must come to an end.  Now.

The United States and countries in the region all recognize the value of peace.  There are Palestinians courageous enough to advocate for peace, even in these incredibly difficult times.  We must support them.