Posted March 20, 2026 - Nissan 2, 5786 The last item on our agenda at the Passover Seder just prior to dinner is designated as “Korech,” better known as “Hillel’s Sandwich.” After completing the mitzvah of telling the story of the Exodus in various ways, we offer praise to God with the opening two Psalms of the Hallel prayers and a concluding blessing leading into the drinking of the second of the four cups of wine. At this point, we prepare for the festive meal. First, we wa

Originally Posted February 20, 2026 - 3 Adar, 5786 You may have noticed an article published last week in the Chicago Tribune by Adriana Pérez entitled “Human Composting Offers an Environmentally Friendly End. Some Are Pushing to Legalize It in Illinois.” Though this method of handling human remains is not presently offered in this state, as of last week, several companies who offer this service in Washington State where it has been legal since 2020, began offering logistica

Originally Posted February 27, 2026 - 10 Adar, 5786 This Shabbat, prior to Purim, is designated as Parashat Zachor. This is the second of the four special maftir readings and haftarahs preceding Purim and Passover at this season. “Zachor” means “remember,” the opening word of the maftir reading from Deuteronomy 25:17 – 19. “Remember what Amalek did to you on your journey, after you left Egypt…You shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget!” This

Originally Posted: March 6, 2026 - 17 Adar, 5786 Nearly a week has gone by since the attack on Iran by Israel and the United States began. I suspect that many of us have mixed emotions about this operation. Not too many tears have been shed for the death of the Supreme Leader and some 40 other figures in the Iranian leadership in the initial bombing raid by Israel. Khamenei and his leadership have been responsible for thousands of deaths in his own country, for the suppr