Passover begins this evening, and Jews across the world will gather around Seder tables to tell the story of our exodus from Egypt. I am always amazed at how relevant that retelling is each year, and how its teachings parallel events in the present day. The plight of the Jewish people makes me think of […]
A Vigil of Solidarity for the recently desecrated Hebrew Cemetery in Fall River will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at 5:30pm at the cemetery, located at 73 McMahon St., Fall River. The vigil will be led by Rabbi Mark Elber and Cantor Shoshanna Brown. Those in attendance will include members of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities as well as […]
The Board of Rabbis and the Jewish Alliance are saddened, shocked, and outraged by the terror attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand today in which at least 49 people were murdered and scores more were injured while attending Friday prayers in two different mosques. We understand the shared grief that comes with an attack on a […]
Dear Friends, As the season changes, and we move from autumn to winter, the colder weather ushers in Hanukkah and the festival of lights. While gift giving is connected with Hanukkah, I want to take a moment to celebrate the amazing outpouring from this past Tuesday as part of what we called “Giving Chai Day” (or […]
Dear Friends, It is impossible to share the full range of emotions I have felt over the last week. At this time last Friday I had just returned from a week-long trip to Israel with more than 3,000 Jewish Federation volunteers and professionals. I felt the tremendous pride and joy and wonder that always accompanies […]
Dear Friends, We are all shocked and saddened by yesterday’s mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We extend our deepest condolences to the victims of this senseless attack, to their families, and to all those affected. If anyone in our community has been personally affected by this tragedy, we offer you our […]
Dear Friends, It is difficult to watch the news these days. In today’s political climate, it seems every campaign advertisement is focused on tearing us apart and telling us what is wrong with the opposing party or candidate. Even social media platforms are increasingly contentious and toxic. By the time you read this, I’ll be in […]
Dear Friends, As the new year kicks-off, so too does the Alliance’s Annual Campaign, and I wanted to share how humbled and grateful I am for the generosity of our greater Rhode Island community. Over the last few weeks, I have witnessed first-hand the spirit of giving that exists throughout the state. In mid-September, our […]
Dear Friends, As a community, we are at our strongest when we come together as one. Whether that means standing up against injustice or wrongdoing, working with our partners to tackle an issue of common concern, or coming together to make a lasting impact. When we come together, we exemplify the power of our collective […]
Dear Friends, This past weekend marked the one-year anniversary of protesters descending on Charlottesville, Virginia. While I’m keenly aware that hate exists, I cannot recall an instance in my lifetime when it so blatantly took to the streets of America. Images of crowds carrying torches, wearing swastikas, and brandishing semi-automatic rifles while chanting slogans like […]
