The westernmost member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Sof History Project:
Excerpts from the Preface to the Appendix of the Sof History Project
By Mathew Sgan
During the course of doing the research for the narrative (Honey and Poi) describing the origins and development of Congregation Sof Ma’arav, I was fortunate… Continue reading
From Rabbi Rosalind Glazer
A Letter to Sof Ma’arav
I’ve thought of you often while sheltering in place and I dearly hope you have been well. From my home in Jerusalem, I marvel at the inextricable bond between our hearts across 13 time zones… Continue reading
Just Being There
By Sandra Z. Armstrong
Sometimes you can’t do enough to help another person in distress—whether it is a family member, friend, neighbor, or stranger. Fretful thoughts intrude. Should I do more? Why do my efforts seem so futile? Will my… Continue reading
Synergy:
Finding the biology in the book of Genesis
By Malka Rappaport
David and Malka have started a podcast on the intersection of biology and our beloved Torah text! Western society seems to suffer from the idea that science and… Continue reading
5780 Passover Seders: Tradition and Technology
By Mathew Sgan
Isolation during Passover was on my mind. Then the heavens opened up and it was Dayenu all over again. First, Dina gave me the directions to tune in to her seder (Hawaii time 7:00 PM.) To celebrate… Continue reading
Parshat Tzav: A Drash
By Sid Goldstein
“Such are the rituals of the burnt offering, the meal offering, the guilt offering, the offering of ordination and the sacrifice of well-being which the Lord charged Moses on Mount Sinai.”
– Leviticus 8.37
One of… Continue reading
An Embarrassment to Jews the World Over
by Kay Lorraine
I am an embarrassment to Jews the world over. I know this to be true, because a cantor in Chicago made this statement in my presence, loudly, to a large group of Jewish women.
Let me explain:… Continue reading
Memories of a Neurosurgeon: Book Review of Judith’s Pavilion: The Haunting Memories of a Neurosurgeon, by Dr. Marc Flitter
BY MAT SGAN
As I sat on the UU Church bench, Marc went to his car and emerged with a copy of the subject book, which he handed to me. I was delighted to receive it. I take such pleasure… Continue reading
The Song of the Jade Lily: A Book Review
BY SID GOLDSTEIN
The novel, The Song of the Jade Lily, by Kirsty Manning deals with the little-known subject of the lives of Jewish refugees in Shanghai China during world War II. It is based on the historical fact that… Continue reading
T”U B’Shevat Seder at Sof: Learning as We Go
BY DINA YOSHIMI
Each year shortly after we enter the month of Shevat, the e-call for contributions to the T”U B’Shevat seder goes out. It’s the annual sign-up ritual when Sofers send in their top 3 choices for a contribution… Continue reading