I've Always Wondered
What Was that about the Origins of the Zohar? Originally Published July 22-23, 2022.
July 22, 2022

Last week we mentioned the sparsely living and greatly studying Rabbi Shimon bar Yoḥai whose mysticism was carried forward through the Zohar.  He was one of Rabbi Akiva’s precious few disciples who survived the revolt (or the plague), and it is said that later, after continuing to rail against Rome, he had to flee and […]

Read more
I've Always Wondered
What is the Zohar? Originally Published July 15-16, 2022.
July 15, 2022

A while back we were discussing what is Lag BaOmer, and we mentioned the plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students, and that some scholars feel it was really referring to the students who participated in the revolt led by Bar Kochba against the Romans.  So as not to become targets of the Romans, they may have […]

Read more
PREVIOUS EVENT
Installation of Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman - September 3
July 13, 2022

Join us on Saturday, September 3 at 9:15 a.m. during Shabbat Morning Services as we formally install Rabbi Mark Asher Goodman as Associate Rabbi. Special kiddush to follow the service in the Samuel & Minnie Hyman Ballroom. To honor Rabbi Goodman, please consider sponsoring this special installation. Sponsor name(s) will be listed in the Installation […]

Read more
I've Always Wondered
Who Was Henrietta Adler? Originally Published July 8-9, 2022.
July 13, 2022

Born either on July 14, 1870, or on December 1, 1868 (sources conflict), Henrietta “Nettie” Adler was the granddaughter of the Chief Rabbi of England Nathan Marcus Adler, and her father Hermann Adler would serve in the same post (he was deputized when his father’s health declined, and was later elected).  Ms. Adler was interested […]

Read more
I've Always Wondered
Who Was Rev. Frederick de Sola Mendes? Originally Published July 1-2, 2022.
July 1, 2022

Born on July 8, 1850, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Frederick de Sola Mendes was a part of the Mendes family of Spanish and Portuguese rabbis, including his father Rabbi Abraham Pereira Mendes.  His mother was Eliza de Sola, coming from thirteen generations of rabbis in Italy, France, and Amsterdam, including Frederick’s grandfather Rabbi David Aaron […]

Read more