By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz, Temple Beth Sholom, Middletown Have you ever noticed that in the Torah, the Hebrew names that are familiar to us for the months are not mentioned? For that matter, most of the time, only numbers are used. Passover is celebrated on the 15th day of the

By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz Temple Beth Sholom, Middletown The word commencement is a noun, which is defined as a beginning or a start. It is also used when referencing a ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred on graduating students. Doesn’t that seem contradictory? Those who are graduating and

By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz, Temple Beth Sholom, Middletown Miami Valley rabbis share thoughts on unprecedented U.S. antisemitism On Oct. 1, 2019, Lawrence P. Mulligan, Middletown’s mayor, presented me with a proclamation that recognized Middletown’s support of the state of Israel and declared that day “Stand with Israel Day.” Shortly thereafter,

By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz, Temple Beth Sholom, Middletown Have you ever looked closely at the month of February? What does it have to offer? It is the shortest month of the year with fewer than 30 days. It is usually cold and dark, and frequently depressing. It is the middle

By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz , Temple Beth Sholom Middletown Stop anyone on the street and ask the question, “What is Israel?” The answer you will get might be: “Israel is a Middle Eastern country on the Mediterranean Sea.” Perhaps someone with a little more knowledge would include that Israel is

By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz Temple Beth Sholom Middletown What is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? There are many who would answer that question claiming that it is a big birthday party given to a child entering his or her teenage years. Others might suggest that it is a religious ceremony

By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz Temple Beth Sholom Middletown Please allow me to let you in on some behind-the-scenes information. Simply put, at the beginning of the “season,” all of the rabbis involved with writing articles for The Dayton Jewish Observer are sent an email with the list of due dates

By Rabbi Haviva Horvitz Temple Beth Sholom Middletown With so many holidays on the Jewish calendar, even during the month of May, it might seem odd for me to write about Memorial Day. And yet, I hope that after reading this article, the importance of this day and the lesson