Dear MMAE Family, I have a new favorite commentary on the Torah. This year, our Tuesday lunch-and-learn class has been studying the work known as the Kli Yakar – “The Precious Tool.” It was published by the brilliant Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim of Luntschitz in Prague in the year 1610. I invite all of you to join us on Tuesdays at…
From the Baltimore Jewish Times: Rabbi Yerachmiel Shapiro has been the spiritual leader of Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah Congregation in Pikesville since 2010, and he has seen the Modern Orthodox shul evolve over the years under his leadership. Shapiro joined the synagogue clergy after two years leading Congregation Beth Shalom in Red Bank, New Jersey, and quickly discovered that he…
Dear MMAE Family, We all know the part of the seder that speaks of the 4 sons. Let’s call them the 4 children. “The Torah speaks of 4 children. One who is wise, one who is wicked, one who is simple, and one who doesn’t know what to ask.” Where does the Torah speak about these 4 children? You may…
Before anything else is said, it is important to remember that this past year was not a Shana Tova for our people. It was a year of disaster, war, worry, brutality, and growing antizionism and its twin, antisemitism. We strengthen ourselves, stand steadfast in our support of Israel, mourn the needless and wanton ending of so many holy lives, and…
In the aftermath of the attacks of October 7th, Danya and I discussed the possibility of spending Pesach in Israel. Danya has two brothers who live in Israel with their families, and we knew the coming months would be incredibly difficult. If the rest of Danya’s family planned to go to Israel, we felt we should join them, to allow…
Dear MMAE Family, Happy Spring! This is my favorite season of the year because everything good (in my opinion) is ahead of us. Good weather. The fun times of the Summer. The gradual bloom of every flower and every tree (Ah choo!). Spring is a season that feels like youth, like hope and unrealized potential. In Judaism, Springtime is actually…
Design your own menorah for a chance to win great prizes at our Chanukah party on December 18th! The deadline to drop off your menorah at the shul is Friday, December 16th and the menorah does not have to be functional but must have eight branches at the same level with a Shamash branch at a different level. We will…
“I was taught a month ago,To bide my time and take it slow.But then I learned just yesterday,To rush and never waste the day.Well I’m convinced the whole day long,That all I learn is always wrong.”– Phish (Character Zero) I learned two lessons this year that at first glance seem completely contradictory. Early in the year, it occurred to me…
