Release Date: August 7, 2026 MERCAZ USA Welcomes New Executive Director: Rabbi Loren Sykes It is with great excitement that I share with you that our new Executive Director, Rabbi Loren Sykes, begins his tenure with MERCAZ USA today, August 7, 2026! The hiring of Rabbi Sykes comes after an extensive interview process, which was […]
The Road (Not) Taken “I have set before you this day… a blessing and a curse.” On this Shabbat Mevarekhim, the Shabbat when we offer a blessing for the new month ahead, the Torah reminds us that our journey in the world is not a predetermined destination, but rather an open invitation to choose our […]
August 4, 2026 STAY INFORMED – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – VOICES – STORIES Antisemites Worldwide Grow More Brazen in Public and Online Attacks Hatred against Jews has moved from hateful words into violent action – in the U.S. and around the world – where Jews are blamed for everything from genocide to […]
July 28, 2026 STAY INFORMED – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – VOICES – STORIES Mamdani is Fixated on Israel while Jews are Hate Crime Targets in NYC President Trump is hosting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the White House – the same leader that NYC Mayor Mamdani has spent more than a year […]
Who Wants The Elephant In The Room? Don’t think of an elephant right now. And just like that, an image of Dumbo flies across your mind’s eye! Can I control what I’m not thinking? And if I can’t, am I being set up to fail? These are core theological questions behind each of the laws […]
July 21, 2026 STAY INFORMED – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – VOICES – STORIES The Jewish People Stand, Despite Historic and Current Efforts to Destroy Them With attacks on Jews worldwide and the State of Israel reaching a fever pitch, the Jewish people commemorate Tisha B’Av – a solemn time that has combined many catastrophes […]
What is most Precious On May 17, 1977, Menachem Begin was elected Prime Minister, ending 29 years of uninterrupted Labor rule in what became known as “The Revolution” (Ha-Mahapakh). When the results were announced, Begin entered Likkud headquarters to the cheers of his supporters. Taking a kippah from his pocket, he recited the Sheheḥeyanu blessing […]
July 14, 2026 STAY INFORMED – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – VOICES – STORIES Where Criticizing Israel Ends and Hating Jews Begins An American politician considering a run for president recently leveled harsh criticism against Israel’s government while still supporting the U.S.-Israel alliance. Rahm Emanuel – President Obama’s Jewish chief of staff – […]
Rightful Heirs In memory of my mother, my teacher, Rina bat Rachma (Gabi), at the conclusion of the first 30 days of mourning. At the conclusion of the book of Numbers, the issue of the daughters of Tzelopheḥad, this time due to the concern of their relatives about the potential loss of part of the […]
July 7, 2026 STAY INFORMED – TALKING POINTS – ACTIONS TO CONSIDER – U.S. 250th – STORIES Jews Answer Hatred With Pride and Unity Through Sports Much of America and the globe is captivated by the World Cup games – still underway. One of today’s biggest stars on the field – Norway’s captain Erling Haaland – made […]