fbpx Rabbi Howard Cohen | Reconstructing Judaism

Rabbi Howard Cohen

Standing Together in Covenant

Rabbi Howard Cohen explores the notion of standing at Sinai to receive Torah— not as a one-time event, but as a task for every generation.

D'var Torah

It Reached No Further

When divine inspiration comes, is it accessible to all? Or must we cultivate ourselves to receive it?

D'var Torah

Silence as Protest

Modern audiences are repelled by the violence found in Parashat Pinkhas. But is a form of protest embodied even in the Torah itself? 

D'var Torah

Tzara'at and Selfishness

Rabbi Howard Cohen examines the meaning attributed to disease in this Torah portion, and considers its application for today.

D'var Torah

On Shabbat HaGadol

Rabbi Howard Cohen reflects on Shabbat HaGadol, the Sabbath before Passover. 

D'var Torah

Symbolism of Rainbows

Rabbi Howard Cohen explores the symbolism of the rainbow in the Flood story. 

D'var Torah

"Hearing" The "Voice" of God

What does it mean to “hear” the commanding “voice” of God? A key word in this Torah portion suggests that it is not necessarily all that clear.

D'var Torah

Covenant as Marriage

Shabbat Bemidbar usually falls near Shavuot: the day traditionally designated as the anniversary of the revelation of Torah at Mt. Sinai. According to a midrash, Shavuot is like the wedding anniversary of God and the Jewish people.

D'var Torah