By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
When choosing subjects for this column, I try to write only when I have something new or relevant to add to the discussion. That’s particularly true when it comes to political issues: my column may put a Jewish spin on the subject or focus on the issue from a diff…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
Are they really serious?
Imagine if you are in third grade and are not allowed to talk about your parents. Why? Because talking about them would somehow corrupt your classmates. Am I speaking of mass murderers or pedophiles? Nope. I’m talking about children wi…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
The fall Jewish holidays are normally a time to review the past year and decide what changes we want to make in our lives. But this year, I am also reflecting on two 50th anniversaries that occur this fall. One took place in early September and the other began in ei…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
I imagine that some people are wondering why I haven’t written about the Hunter Biden criminal probe, especially now that a special counsel has been appointed. There’s a simple reason: our justice system is proceeding in the appropriate manner. The judge decide…
By Rabbi Rachel Esserman
There’s a legend that the recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish began when Rabbi Akiva saw a man struggling under a great burden. When asked if he could help, the man told Akiva that he was dead and the work was his punishment. When Akiva asked what could be done…
