The current focus of many synagogues on maintaining and acquiring new members suggests a narrow message -- namely, that someone is joining an organization that they can easily "unjoin."

For some in the Jewish world, the Kiddush has become an elaborate feast at which sumptuous food and fine wines and liquors are offered to those, both members and guests, who come to pray. This new phenomenon is healthy in some ways and deeply unsettling in others.

A decade ago, when my kids were young, I would hand them each a roll of quarters when we were visiting New York City, instructing them to give to anyone who asked. Of course, I know very well the potential problems with such an approach.

Their role should be to help people to separate the truth of the candidates they see from the stories that carry us. If anything can convince another to follow the straight line, it is the power of God's word. I say we apply it.

Particularly in an age where debate around Godlessness is coming squarely into the mainstream of Western thought, I don't think the question of belief is going to be settled anytime soon.

There is a bright line distinction, though, between both crazy acts: one is driven by knowledge and love, while the other by ignorance at best, and hatred at worse.

I offer this thought as a guide: whatever your worship, ask yourself, "did my heart express itself today?" If so, you have truly prayed.

To the endangered species of our world, let us add another: the vanishing American religious male. Rabbis, priests, pastors, imams and sociologists are trying to understand why.

Amid economic and sociological changes within the Jewish community, many communal and religious leaders are beginning to think about new models of syn...

For centuries people have walked out of synagogue thinking "Boy I'd like to tell the Rabbi a thing or two about that sermon." But now the sermons are online, the Facebook page is available, and that congregant can offer a piece of her or his mind