Kol Ami | BLOG

Jun 11, 20176 min read

What is a Rabbi? Hint: Not a Priest

We have a problem in American Judaism. A big one. We do not share a common sense of the role of the rabbi. "The rabbi should not wear...

May 9, 201711 min read

When we can't simply agree to disagree... Or claiming my rabbinic authority as community gate keeper

Gate Keeper. In rabbinical school we were presented with the notion of rabbi as gate keeper. The rabbi is the one who stands at the gates...

Jan 7, 20172 min read

The Winter of My UnSettled Reality

"[answering the phone] Hello, you've reached the winter of our discontent." - Troy Dyer (Ethan Hawke) This Shabbat I am thinking about...

Nov 1, 20163 min read

BERESHIT: Genesis and Economic Justice

For myself economic justice is a deeply religious and spiritual issue. In our Torah portion this week, Bereshit/Genesis, we read the...

Jun 15, 20164 min read

Restitution, Legislation and Faith in God: Orlando and Beyond

How does one make a wrong, a right? How do you heal and seal a wound? How do we restore the faith of those we have hurt? In society? In...

Nov 12, 20154 min read

Toldot: Digging and Receiving Shalom

Isaac does not do too much in his life. He is considered to be the most passive of all our ancient anecestors---male or female. A...