By Rabbi Healy Slakman, excerpted and adapted from the Annual Membership Meeting, May 31, 2026 As we move beyond this year of transition, into the warmer months and toward the Jewish New Year, I want to share some reflections and updates on music and worship at Micah. Many of these developments you may have already Continue Reading »
By Mckinley Edelman, Director of Education, and Rabbi Samantha Frank, Rabbi Educator It’s hard to flip through a Jewish periodical these days without finding an article focused on rising antisemitism at home in America and abroad. Families new to the Machon invariably ask us about security at Temple Micah and how we address antisemitism in Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling This issue of the Vine marks the end of Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling’s time as Temple Micah’s Interim Rabbi. Rather than ask her to write a final column, we opted to pose a few questions to her to take stock of her thoughts at the end of her rich and Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Josh Beraha, adapted from a sermon delivered May 15, 2026 Dear Seniors: Five years ago, you stood on the cusp of Jewish adulthood and became b’nai mitzvah at Temple Micah. But there was no ordinary Shabbat morning buzz. No one was here in the sanctuary to celebrate with you. It was 2020, the Continue Reading »
By Steven R. Weisman For more than 20 years, Temple Micah has invited its adult members to participate in a two-year program of Hebrew and Torah study to deepen their connection to our Jewish community while contributing to the rich heritage of Jewish past, present, and future. The newest Adult B’nai Torah graduating class of Continue Reading »
Yom Ha’Zikaron asks us to remember and honor those who gave their lives in defense of the State of Israel. Yom Ha’atzmaut asks us to give thanks for the gift of Jewish sovereignty. These two days have always belonged together, and this year we mark them amidst ongoing war and uncertainty. At a moment like Continue Reading »
By Mckinley Edelman When I asked Miles Narva what his dreams are, he didn’t hesitate. “Well, I’m hoping to row in the Olympics in 2032, and then I’d also like to make veterinary care more affordable for pet owners, so hopefully then I’ll go to vet school.” Eleanor Hauser wasn’t as sure, and giggled nervously. Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Healy Slakman As we approach the holiday when we gather around the table and tell the story of the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, aloud and again in every generation, I’ve been thinking about the power of words. About how speech shapes reality in both our private and public lives. Words can heal or Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling There is a small detail that has always bothered me about the Passover story: the timing. Specifically, how is it that the Israelites did not have enough time to allow their dough to rise before they left Egypt? The night before they leave, they are given instructions regarding the pascal Continue Reading »
Blasting shofars, blowing whistles, and chanting “Abolish ICE,” 600 Jews protested at the headquarters of ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) on February 11, demanding an immediate end to ICE’s lawless behavior. Protesters carried placards emblazoned, “Resisting Tyrants since Pharaoh,” “Rejecting Kings since 1776,” “ICE is a Shonda,” and “We’ve seen this before. It doesn’t end Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Josh Beraha Adapted from a sermon given at Temple Micah on February 6, 2026 When I was applying to rabbinical school, I scheduled coffees with rabbis. I wanted to ask: “What surprised you? What do you love about being a rabbi? What do you wish you’d known?” One of those meetings has stayed Continue Reading »
By Steven R. Weisman, with Evelyn Sahr As most Temple Micah members know, the congregation looks after its own with our volunteer community, Hineni (“Here I am”). For many years, Hineni has provided loving care across generations to those suffering from illness, loss, family crises, or simply loneliness. Yet as Temple Micah has grown, some Continue Reading »
Reflections Following my Recent Visit to Israel March 2026 by Rabbi Emeritus Daniel G. Zemel A year ago at this time we were encouraging you all to vote for the ARZA (Association of Reform Zionists of America) delegation in the World Zionist Congress elections. In the spring we announced the results of the election which Continue Reading »
We are thrilled that Nava Tehila, the renowned Jerusalem-based Jewish prayer community and musical ensemble, will be coming to Temple Micah April 23-26, 2026 for a weekend of music and worship, with opportunities for the entire Micah community—from our youngest congregants to our oldest and everyone in between—to participate! Who is Nava Tehila? Based in Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Josh Beraha I still remember the sound of our first dial-up modem in the early ’90s. It began with a burst of static, like the sound a radio makes in between stations, followed by quick, high-pitched beeps that felt both hopeful and chaotic. Then the screech, and suddenly, a connection, and we were Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Dr. Kari Tuling I was making lunch when the funeral director called: it’s an unaffiliated family; the deceased’s name is Rachel; it’s a graveside service with no eulogy. Are you available? Rachel was a middle-aged woman who left behind a husband and two tween boys. The boys are irritable in their grief, and Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Daniel G. Zemel, Emeritus The whole history of civilization can well be subsumed under the title, “The sanctity of the individual vs overlordship”…the struggle of individuals or groups for freedom. Liberty does not always make men free. It sometimes begets and nurtures libertinism and licentiousness, the most oppressive tyrants of the race. I Continue Reading »
Power, Presence, and the Work of Listening by Rabbi Healy Slakman Originally adapted from a sermon delivered November 28, 2025 I’ve been thinking lately about my grandmothers, both for the ways they shaped me and for the power with which they move through the world. As we read Genesis, with its sweeping narratives and vivid Continue Reading »
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam shehecheyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higi’anu la-z’man ha-zeh. Blessed are You, Eternal our God, Sovereign of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this moment. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, מַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים Baruch atah Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Healy Slakman Adapted from a sermon given August 2025 It felt different in Israel this summer. Of course, in some ways it was obvious that it would. But it was my first time back since October 7th, and I didn’t know how it would sink in. Many important things were the same—my beautiful Continue Reading »