Parashat Noach 5772 I am very happy to report that this week, the Board of Directors of HEA approved a renewal of my contract – which means that until at least July 2014, you’re stuck with me! Melanie and I are very happy. We both love this community and we love living in Denver. I [...]
Shmini Atzeret (Yizkor) 5772 It always seems strange to me that we say Yizkor on the three pilgrimage festivals. Historically, it hasn’t always been this way. Yizkor originated in the middle ages to commemorate those who were slaughtered by marauding bands during the Crusades. Back then it was recited only on Yom Kippur; but, eventually, [...]
Shabbat Hol Ha-Mo’ed Sukkot 5772 Have you ever had to explain sukkot to a non-Jewish friend or co-worker? It’s not easy… sukkot is probably our strangest holiday. The symbols and practices of sukkot must seem really weird to an outsider. You sit in a hut for a week and shake some leaves and a bumpy [...]
On Yom Kippur, I lead a discussion on fasting. We discussed the many lessons we can draw from the experience of fasting based on texts provided by the Rabbinical Assembly. The source sheet is available here: RA \”Fasting for Famine\” Source Sheet At our class, we discussed the need for a practical follow-up to our [...]
Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald has served as the Associate Rabbi of Congregation HEA in Denver, CO since his ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles in 2008. He also serves as a volunteer chaplain with the Denver Police Department. He and his spouse, Melanie Gruenwald, have three children.
