Rabbi Gelman's Blog

What’s Next?  

Made famous by President Jedd Bartlet, the fictional President of the West Wing, this quip is a good measure of how to view this period of time; the nine day and Tisha B’Av.

What does it mean to mourn? 

Let’s answer this question by comparing two different aspects of the Halacht of Mourning.

In general, when it comes to Halacha (Jewish Law) we teach our children how to observe...Read more...

This week, I had an interesting conversation with some colleagues on a question that seems to be on the minds of many people. I have been asked the same question by congregants. 

Basically, the question goes like this. How can Jews support efforts to bring justice to communities of color even as some members of that community have expressed anti-semetic and anti-Israel views? This question took on greater...Read more...

This week’s Dvar Torah is sponsored by Sheila and Louis Train in memory of their daughter,  Carolynne Joy Guttman z ‘l.

As Bilam was on his way to attempt to curse the Jewish people, an angel God appeares and impedes the path of the donkey Bilam was riding on. On three different occasions Bilam strikes the donkey. Finally, a miracle occurs and the donkey speaks to Bilam, saying:

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I write these remarks today on  Juneteenth - an important and historic day in Texas and in the shadow of the tragic events that have occurred recently in the United States. 

We are at a critical moment here in the United States. Many people are hoping that terribly tragic events in the last few weeks will lead to a more equitable and safe society for all. I pray that that is true. 

At moments...Read more...

This Yizkor, the second Yizkor that we find ourselves not able to be in shul, may be 

particularly difficult for people. 

Yizkor is made more meaningful by sharing it with community members. We are comforted by the presence and embrace of our friends and neighbors.

Without the emotional setting of the shul, the chanting of the Chazan and the faint sounds of sobbing, the power of...Read more...

This week, instead of a Dvar Torah on the Parsha,I would like to share with you some reflections on the occasion of the passing of Rav Nachum Rabinovitch. 

On Wednesday May 6th, Rabbi Nachum Rabinovitch, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva HEsder, Ma’aleh Adumim passed away at the age of 92.

Rabbi Rabinovitch was the senior and leading Rosh Yeshiva and Posek (religious authority) for the religious...Read more...

I recently read an article highlighting the ways people are AVOIDING social interaction these days. 

“The world used to be rich with excuses for cutting a conversation short: I should probably get home to feed my dog; this was fun, but I have to go to another party; and so on. But this new, locked-down era calls for more creativity in coming up with a good reason to say bye.

Two friends of mine...Read more...

What Time Is It? What Day Is It?

I do not know about you, but keeping track of time is hard during this period of self quarantining and social distancing.  Giving up on our daily routine of having to get to school or work on time, scheduled times at the gym and the like have decayed our internal clock.

There is no doubt that our relationship with time, in terms of how we experience past, present and...Read more...

Dear Friends,

First, I would like to wish you all a Chag Kasher V’sameach, a Kosher and joyous Pesach. I will add the prayer that this year we should all be blessed with good health and that the Corona pandemic speedily come to an end.

I am very happy to provide this Pesach Portal which should make your final preparations for Pesach mush easier.

I would also like to add how...Read more...

Last week, Robert M. Beren Academy’s High School basketball team, The Beren Stars, their family members and fans traveled to Waco, Texas for the Division IA state basketball championship tournament. Since the semi-finals were scheduled for Friday afternoon and the finals were scheduled for Saturday night, the school made arrangements for everyone to spend Shabbat together at a nearby hotel. I had the privilege of playing a small...Read more...

The Rosh Hashana davening is challenging in that it is very busy and full of choreography. Some find it difficult to focus and create moments of quiet introspection.

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The Torah says, “And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the lowermost part of the mount” (Exodus 19:17). Rabbi Avdimi bar Ḥama bar Ḥasa said: the Jewish people actually stood beneath the mountain, and the verse teaches that the Holy One, Blessed be He, overturned the mountain above the Jews like a tub, and said to them: If you accept the Torah, excellent,...Read more...

This article appeared in the Houston Chronicle on 12/11/16. 

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I have been asked this week by a number of people about the uptick in reports of hate crimes and acts of  bigotry.

First, it is important to acknowledge that President elect Trump has told his supporters to stop the attacks.  He said: "I am so saddened to hear that, and I say, 'Stop it. If it -- if it helps, I will say this, and I will say right to the...Read more...

“You shall teach them to your children” (Devarim 11:19)

Dear Friends,

On Shabbat I spoke about the importance of serving as role models for our children. I focused on two areas - coming to shul...Read more...