Holidays

Al Ha-Nissim:  The Miracle of Survival Rabbi Bonnie Koppell I wanted to call to your attention a special feature of our prayers during Chanukkah – the addition of “Al Ha-Nissim” to the [...]

What Unenforceable Rule is Driving Your Grievance Story? Rabbi Bonnie Koppell Kol Nidre, Temple Chai, 2022     Tonight we begin our Yom Kippur journey.  This time is a gift we give [...]

No Regrets in the Year Ahead Rabbi Bonnie Koppell   Listen to the words of Frank Sinatra’s memorable tune, “My Way.” And now the end is here And so I face that final curtain My friend [...]

I remember seeing an Army wall calendar that had a sign next to it, “Dates on the calendar are closer than they may appear.”  Isn’t that the truth? It feels like someone pushed “fast forward” on [...]

Putin IS Amalek- Purim 2022 Rabbi Bonnie Koppell   Shabbat Zachor- the Shabbat of Remembering.  That’s the special name given to this Shabbas, the Shabbat before Purim.  So what, exactly, [...]

  Purim 2022:  A deadly serious celebration Rabbi Bonnie Koppell This Wednesday night we will come together for the light and joyous holiday of Purim.  Purim comes on the 14th of Adar, the [...]

When Christmas Eve and Shabbat Coincide   It’s a quiet night for the Jewish community tonight.  65% of the population in the United States identify as Christian and our neighbors are likely [...]

  When Jessie was pregnant with Helena, we had a baby shower for her.  Cards were passed out, and among the questions was, “I hope that you always remember, fill in the blank.”  What is it [...]

What’s The Hardest Mitzvah? Rabbi Bonnie Koppell Temple Chai, September 2021 What is the hardest mitzvah for you?  Is it not eating shrimp or bacon?  Is it remembering to light shabbat [...]

Tevye Explains It All:  Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Judaism Can Be Learned  From “Fiddler on the Roof” Rabbi Bonnier Koppell Erev Rosh HaShanah 2021, Temple Chai, [...]