As exquisitely expressed in the Torah, Israel has inextricably been integral to who we are and why we exist. There is a direct and clear connection between the land, God, and how we should act. This can be found in … Read More
Core Jewish Values
Will Your Children Be Ready?
The tension between the realities of the future and the comfort of a reliably perceived past are palpable. Put another way, the security of “this is the way we have always done it,” versus the uneasiness of preparing for an … Read More
For the Love of Israel
We live in complicated times where almost everything seems to be politicized. Israel is no exception, and is a lightning rod when it comes to political divisiveness both globally, and more concerning, within the Jewish community. It is not that … Read More
Why We Tell Our Stories
Do you ever cuddle up with your children and share memories of your childhood – special moments, trips, or family traditions? Do you remember your parents doing the same with you? I clearly remember loving to listen to my parents … Read More
Reflecting on Nearly Ten Years as a Community Jewish Day School
At Hillel, we strive for Jewish unity, not uniformity. Our Jewish traditions and core values help our children grow into knowledgeable, action-oriented Jews who view others with respect and understanding. Children learn by example, so it is imperative that these … Read More
Embracing “The Politics of Hope”
What is the difference between a contract and a covenant? Our times require us to examine that difference, and to understand it as a step in reclaiming the higher moral ground in our communities, country and abroad. We need to … Read More
Who Are We Anyway?
When you ask your child to think of a story about a character taking off shoes, what do you want the association to be? Cinderella, or Moses at the burning bush? This is one of many poignant questions Avraham Infeld … Read More
What Makes Us Family
When I arrived at Hillel, in 2003, everyone loved calling Hillel a family. At the time, I did not like the concept of the “Hillel Family;” I preferred calling us a community. We were the Hillel community. Five years ago … Read More
Hope in These Challenging Times
I am a news junky, and I have to break the habit before serious depression sets in. Corruption, income inequality, sexual harassment, threat of war, uncivil discourse, potential foreign interference in our elections, an assault on free speech. And that … Read More
Where Truth Can Be Found
From time to time I am asked how religion and science intersect at Hillel. Many people believe that there must be an inherent tension between science and religion, as if one possesses the “right” answer about questions of the universe, … Read More