By Rabbi David Jaffe Image description: Blog image with a photo of a sunrise over a hazy golden mountain range, trees, and hilltops fading in the fog off in the distance Text reads, “Iyar 5786 by Rabbi David Jaffe”. When I was studying in Yeshiva 25 years ago, I got a ride home one day from a man who spent most of the ride explaining to me that the concept of Tzelem Elokim, that humans are made in the Divine image, only applied to Jews. At the time, people who believed simil

By Rabbi David Jaffe Image description: Blog image with a photo of a sunrise over a foggy valley with trees and hilltops glistening in the golden sun.. Text reads, “Nisan 5786 by Rabbi David Jaffe”. A rejection followed by a welcome embrace at the start of this past Purim is informing the way I’m thinking about the upcoming Passover holiday. On Ta’anit Esther (Monday, March 1, the day before Purim) I was in New York City to officiate my uncle’s funeral. The shiva was that af

By Rabbi Lauren Tuchman Image description: Blog image with a photo of a close-up blooming branch, which shows buds and one blooming cherry blossom flower. The branch extends across a blue sky. Text reads, “Adar 5786 by Rabbi Lauren Tuchman”. This month’s blog is written by Disability Wisdom Project co-director, Rabbi Lauren Tuchman. The Talmud, in Taanit 29A, famously tells us that when the month of Adar arrives, we are to increase our joy. We aren’t given any instructions ar