הוּא הָיָה אוֹמֵר, אִם לָמַדְתָּ תוֹרָה הַרְבֵּה, אַל תַּחֲזִיק טוֹבָה לְעַצְמְךָ, כִּי לְכָךְ נוֹצָרְתָּ

If you have learned much Torah, do not claim credit for yourself, because for such a purpose were you created. (Pirkei Avot 2:8)

Praying Together, Learning Together.

I believe that Jewish text and study is central to any cantor’s ability to make Judaism relevant to the communities we serve, and I take the responsibility of teaching very seriously. Listed below are examples of my own sermons, papers, and lesson plans for all ages that aim to teach how these ancient words are just as pertinent and meaningful for Jews today.

  • Wrestling with Angels

    A commentary on Parashat Vayishlach, where Jacob wrestles with the ish, and what it means to wrestle with mental illness and our imperfections.

    Read it here.

  • Who am I? Mi Anochi?

    A D’var Torah on Parashat Sh’mot, given on January 8, 2021 in light of the attack on the Capital building in Washington, DC.

    Read it here.

  • Gender and Judaism 101

    A lesson plan for adult learning that I’ve used in multiple settings. It introduces contemporary language around sex and gender, compares them to ancient Jewish texts that comment on gender diversity, and encourages continuing conversation and learning on the intersection.

    Read it here.

  • "Blameless in his own age": Noah and Relevant Goodnesss

    Noah is known for being chosen by God to survive the great flood because he was deemed a righteous man by God. The question is, though, how righteous was Noah really? By paying closer attention to Parashat Noach and Noah’s actions, we can see whether or not Noah was so exceptional — and whether or not that matters in this case.

    Read the source sheet here.

  • V'ahavta Scavenger Hunt

    A particularly unique and successful Hebrew learning lesson plan, meant for grades 3-5 who are learning the V’ahavta. I have many fond memories running this class scavenger hunt to both teach my students about the values of the prayer as well as helping them gain familiarity with the whole synagogue space!

    Read it here.

  • Nevi'im: Prophets, Judges, and Kings, Oh My!

    A lesson plan I wrote to teach 5-7 graders about the three main categories of characters in the Book of Prophets, Nevi’im. By connecting these roles to the system of checks and balances in the American government, and then placing themselves within some of these stories, my students found their own connections to this part of the Tanakh.

    Read it here.