Blog

For American Jewish progressives who are feeling shocked and betrayed

October 26, 2023

You are not the only progressive American Jew who is shocked and appalled and pained and traumatized by the bloodthirsty words of people they have been in solidarity with for years. Who benefits if we are no longer allies?

Holding space for complexity, pain, and compassion

October 20, 2023

I want you to know that Berith Sholom is a safe space for people who have a multiplicity of political views. I hold a space of compassion, and many, many Berith Sholom community members help me do it.

What does it mean to me to say "I Stand With Israel" at this time?

October 11, 2023

How can one summarize what one hardly understands? My connections are personal, communal, theological, and human.

Holding the Center during war and terror

October 9, 2023

Two days after Hamas infiltrated and attacked Israel, some thoughts from Rabbi Gordon on "holding the center."

President's Remarks Yom Kippur 5784: Collective Action

October 2, 2023

President Beth Hershenhart writes on how we are all connected.

President's Remarks Rosh Hashanah 5784: A Zis Gebentsht Yor

October 2, 2023

President Beth Hershenhart reflects on what makes Berith Sholom special and how to make a difference this new year.

Yom Kippur 5784: Hold The Center

September 26, 2023

Rabbi Gordon's sermon for Yom Kippur 5784 (2023): My yoga teacher says that there’s no such thing as being perfectly balanced. She says there’s always movement; when we’re standing on one leg, we lose our balance and find it again, over and over. There’s no rigid “I’m balanced and that’s the end of it.” We wobble about. And that’s a healthy adjustment to changing circumstances. So I’m not going to tell you where the center is, because I can’t: it changes. But I am going to remind you how to find it. We have Jewish spiritual technology — and I don’t mean Zoom — which helps us keep our balance and guides us back to the center.

Rosh HaShanah 5784: Back to the Garden

September 19, 2023

Rabbi Gordon's sermon for Rosh HaShanah 5784 (2023). Learn from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmont Tutu z"l, and Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Braiding Sweetgrass" how to use Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur to refine your vision and commit to living with meaning.

Meet Eric Cooper-Ginsburg, Our Head  Teacher

July 27, 2023

An introduction to our Head Teacher, Eric Cooper-Ginsburg.

Meet Jack Mintzer, Our Jewish Life Coordinator

August 1, 2023

An introduction to our Jewish Life Coordinator Jack Mintzer

Thoughts from Leo: Solar Panel Installation

May 23, 2023

A photo of solar panels reminds Leo Levy of Deuteronomy 22:8.

The Congregation Berith Sholom Cemetery

January 18, 2023

If you have reached this page because someone is approaching the end of their life or has just died, Rabbi Gordon will be glad to speak with you and offer guidance.

Roe v. Wade: this is not the end.

June 24, 2022

The Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade threatens the rights of many people.

Re-live Reb Deb's 25th Anniversary

May 26, 2022

Links to the the photo montage of Reb Deb's 25 years, remarks from speakers, and the recording of Reb Deb's 25th Anniversary Service

COVID-19 Attendance Policy Updated March 9, 2022

May 25, 2022

A summary of the updates, bringing us in line with CDC and NY State guidance when transmission levels are Substantial or High

A message from the Rabbi and President on Colleyville

January 20, 2022

We’re all grateful that the attack on Congregation Beth Israel in Texas ended with congregants and rabbi safe, but we’re shaken, too.

Our COVID-19 Policy

August 25, 2021

The CDC has identified our entire region as being at "high risk for transmission" of COVID-19, and rates are continuing to rise every day. Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to pivot from in-person, indoor gatherings back to virtual events.

Reflections on the Storming of the Capitol Yesterday

January 7, 2021

The fact that Washington DC policing and National Guard are both under federal control means that responses to both gatherings were under the control of people, mostly white men, allied with the President.

Breaching the Capitol

January 6, 2021

The vast majority of people who are at this very moment demonstrating at the Capitol, while Congress was trying to count the Electoral College vote, believe they are there to prevent a vast injustice.

Despair is Not an Option – Rosh HaShanah morning 5781

October 6, 2020

Literally every human being on the planet has had to reckon with COVID-19. With nearly 30 million cases and close to 1 million deaths worldwide, there is no place untouched.

All the World is a Very Narrow Bridge – Erev Rosh HaShanah 5780

September 21, 2020

Our Yom Kippur Torah reading says it clearly: Life and death I set before you, blessing and curse: Choose life, so that you and your descendents may live.

Morning Blessings for the New Year

September 18, 2020

On this last day of the year, I offer these beautiful, holy, life-giving morning blessings by Dori Midnight.

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Troy, NY
12180

Congregation Berith Sholom is a 501(c) (3) organization and tzedakah (contributions) are tax-deductible. Our tax ID number is 14-6014559.