National Prayer Day-Can America offer one prayer for the good of our nation?

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/religion/faith-in-action/article75082707.html




Shalom to everyone. Here is an interesting tradition that we have one day devoted to prayer for the nation on May 5th this year. Here is my take on the holiday and my own effort to create a prayer for us all.  What do you think?
Shalom,
Rabbi Brad Bloom

My visit to the reform congregation in Gedera, Israel

http://wupj.org.il/Publications/Newsletter.asp?ContentID=1080
I have published this drash on Passover that was published on Friday by the World Union of Progressive Judaism. It goes out to reform congregations all over the world. I hope you find it interesting as I retell my experience spending shabbat with the reform congregation in Gedera, Israel. I hope all my Jewish friends had a great Passover.
All the best
Rabbi Brad Bloom

New Blog Post from Rabbi Bloom: The Righteous Among the Nations

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/religion/faith-in-action/article72403212.html


While Passover is almost here I am writing about the connection between the lessons of the Passover experience and the forthcoming Yom Hashoah or Holocaust Remembrance Day. My focus is on the the importance of acknowledging the role and contribution that Righteous Gentiles played during the war years in saving Jewish lives.  Our congregation's theme this year is about the Righteous Among the Nations which the state of Israel established to honor those risked there lives to save Jewish lives. Tell me what you think?
Have a joyous and happy Passover.
Rabbi Bloom

Series on Pesach and its connections to the Holocaust: Part One. Let the youth decide.

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/religion/faith-in-action/article69983162.html

There are lots of connections between the lessons of the Holocaust that can be extended to the ancient Exodus. As we prepare for Pesach, our youth have to learn how to face difficult truths. Is it right that we shield them from the essential facts of the Shoah? What is your view?

A conversation in the Old City of Jerusalem: Small alleyways can lead to peace.

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/religion/faith-in-action/article64500677.html

This newspaper column recounts my conversations with a group of Arab shopkeepers in the Old City of Jerusalem. The religious diversity of this walled city, its history and its future captivates me. Take a read and tell me what you think?
Shalom,
Brad

Part Two in the series on Israel

http://digital.olivesoftware.com/Olive/ODN/IslandPacket/default.aspx#emlnl=eEdition1

This is the 2nd installment on my newspaper column reports from Israel. Enjoy the read and let me know what you think?
Shabbat Shalom,
Brad

Rabbi Bloom in Israel: Working on diversity amongst religions.

http://www.islandpacket.com/living/religion/faith-in-action/article61014842.html

This is a part of a three part series of articles I sent from Jerusalem during my recent stay. I was in Israel leading a congregational mission and then afterwards participated in a conference of progressive rabbis. Thanks for taking the time to read it and your comments are always welcome.
Shabbat Shalom,
Brad