I had the privilege of sharing this blessing with my daughter and son-in-law, as part of their wedding ceremony, which of course was a great honor for me. And, when our children were growing up, my wife and I blessed them with this blessing around the Friday night Shabbat table as I know that many contemporary Jews with their children every Friday night.

A Jewish slave goes free after 6 years, unless he unwisely chooses to stay. If he does, his master bores a hole in his ear. Why, and what lesson can we learn?

The images this week of an openly emotional President Obama as he announced the executive actions on gun control were very moving. Whatever your political affiliation, I think many of us can agree that when leaders show uncensored emotion about an issue it is a moment that represents a kind of redemption.

This Friday, Jews read the the beginning of the story of Exodus, which includes Moses's first encounter with God, through a burning bush. When Moses moves toward the strange burning, God calls out to him. "Moses, Moses!"