This week’s parsha, like much of Leviticus, deals with boundaries: what is pure or impure for a priest; whom a cohen can marry; which animals are fit for sacrifice and which are not. We have a religious tradition that is very concerned with boundaries. Every culture and group has them. Boundaries are one of the [...]
Parashat Bo 5772 What a person carries in their wallet can tell you a lot about them. I carry a lot of membership cards. I have a Costco membership, which allows me to buy enormous quantities of things I don’t really need. I have an REI membership. When I buy a bunch of over-priced outdoor [...]
Parashat Miketz 5772 24 December 2011 I want to begin by thanking you all for your kind words and your generous condolences on the passing of my grandmother, Rebeca Korngold. I dedicate my d’var Torah to her today. I was so encouraged by the numerous cards and emails and phone messages that I found upon [...]
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, [...]
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.
