Torah

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Flip Phones and Parshat Bo

By Rabbi Bonnie Koppell | 01/22/2018 | Comments Off on Flip Phones and Parshat Bo

Were you as shocked as I was to read that flip phones, aka dumb phones, are making a comeback? Social commentators suggest that it’s about a retro cool factor, or, driven by the increasing cost of smart phones, or, perhaps, concerns for greater security. But I wonder if it may…

Smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a blue top outdoors.

Justice For All

By Rabbi Bonnie Koppell | 09/03/2017 | Comments Off on Justice For All

It’s okay, in the eyes of Jewish tradition, to tell a lie. A little white lie for the sake of shalom- to maintain harmony in our relationships. “Look what I bought today- I got such a great price!” So what if you don’t love it- say something nice. “It’s lovely!”…

Smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a blue top outdoors.

Grasshoppers and Courage

By Rabbi Bonnie Koppell | 06/13/2014 | Comments Off on Grasshoppers and Courage

Personal courage is one of 7 Army Values.  Captain Matthew Riggs, in an essay on this value, writes that, “Personal Courage as defined by the Army, is to face fear, danger or adversity. Personal Courage is the ability one has to overcome a difficult task or situation with steadfastness, or…