Because the rabbis whose wisdom appears in the Talmud knew that a story sticks in both the mind and the heart, they used them to teach important lessons.

Both our system of government and Jewish practice are intertwined with both custom and law. While our laws tend to be constructed in such a way that variations are minimal, our customs are numerous in their diversity.

Various movies are considered part of the Jewish DNA. “Fiddler on the Roof” goes without saying. Then there’s “The Sound of Music,” celebrating its 55th anniversary.

The name Jonathan Pollard is probably unknown to most people under the age of 50. Therefore a quick recitation of the facts is in order.

Globally we just came through a treacherous year where we had to rethink the way we live to survive. Many others still have much to learn.

At this season, we read one of the most inspiring stories in all literature as the Torah describes the reconciliation between Joseph and his brothers. Joseph, whose Hebrew name means “he shall increase,” epitomizes the Jewish ideal of maximizing the human capacity within us all, to increase wisdom, compassion and love to improve our lives and the world.