July 10, 2019
July 10, 2019
Dear Friends, In this week’s Torah portion, we read a passage which is often referred to as “The Song at the Well.” This song was sung by the Israelites upon
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HCRJ Web Admin
July 3, 2019
July 3, 2019
Dear Friends, Tomorrow is July Fourth, and the following words from our prayer book remind us of the hopes and dreams we share as a nation as we celebrate our
Continue readingJune 19, 2019
June 19, 2019
Dear Friends, Today is Juneteenth, and while it is not a Jewish holiday, it is a celebration of freedom that deserves recognition in our community. Juneteenth is the oldest known
Continue readingJune 12, 2019
June 12, 2019
Dear Friends, Our Torah portion this week contains a very famous blessing which has been used throughout history to bless our people at times of joy and celebration. This blessing
Continue readingJune 5, 2019
June 5, 2019
Dear Friends, This week, the Supreme Court is poised to make an important decision regarding the 2020 census, which makes this week’s Torah portion extremely pertinent. The portion of the
Continue readingJune 1, 2019
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah as an Ageless Ritual
Dear Friends, Few Jewish rituals celebrate life in a more complete way than that of a bar or bat mitzvah ceremony. From the perspective of a congregation, a bar or
Continue readingMay 29, 2019
May 29, 2019
Dear Friends, Over the course of the past thirteen years, I have received ongoing requests to incorporate more opportunities to engage in Torah. In response to this request, we recently
Continue readingMay 22, 2019
May 22, 2019
Dear Friends, Tomorrow is Lag BaOmer, a holiday marking the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer. This relatively obscure observance in Reform Jewish circles is a fun-filled day
Continue readingMay 15, 2019
May 15, 2019
Dear Friends, This Sunday morning, we will gather for the 63rd time in our congregation’s history for our Annual Meeting. This year promises to be extra special as we will
Continue readingMay 8, 2019
May 8, 2019
Dear Friends, Friday is Yom HaAtzmauut (Israeli Independence Day) and in the spirit of solidarity with Jews all over the world, we honor and celebrate the centrality of the Jewish
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Rabbi Gross writes most of what is on this page, and says the rest of it on a Friday night. Everyone is welcome at a service, and you do not need to tell anyone you are coming.