Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein’s Commentary
Smoke and Mirrors
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | April 5, 2018
A violent Palestinian protest on the Israel-Gaza border on the first day of Passover led to the predictable international condemnations of Israel. This weekend, Palestinians plan to riot again, this time using smoke screens and mirrors to disrupt IDF soldiers. But true friends of Israel will not be confused by these tactics — they will continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
The Lord Will Surely Comfort Zion
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | March 21, 2018
The words of Isaiah came to mind as I heard the news of two deadly terror attacks in Israel this past week. In Israel, each time we hear of another terror attack the nation grieves together. And this spirit of solidarity, along with our faith in God, sustains us and gives us hope to go on.
A Plea for Help – and a Call to Action
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | March 15, 2018
"I will tell you about my beautiful life and family before ISIS destroyed them." The stories of Christian refugees from Iraq illustrate the desperate plight of Christians in the Middle East — and show why we need to help these people who are enduring such great suffering.
Ask Your Father and He Will Tell You
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | March 7, 2018
Haven't we all struggled with how best to care for an aging loved one, or experienced the trials of aging ourselves? Respecting and caring for the elderly is not just a biblical mandate; it is a privilege that enriches us in many ways.
A Joyful Day – A Serious Message
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | February 28, 2018
While the holiday of Purim which recalls the deliverance of the Jews exiled in Persia in biblical times, is a festive occasion, it also reminds us that in a world where there is much evil, we need to be committed to defend God's people in the face of hatred.
He Showed His Faith to the World
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | February 21, 2018
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Billy Graham, an extraordinary Christian man whose voice of morality and reconciliation touched so many people for the better.
Troubled Times – and Timeless Wisdom
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | February 15, 2018
Although the threat of war is a daily reality for Israel, the Jewish state remains a "light unto the nations." And as she continues her ongoing pursuit of peace and security, let us all turn to the timeless wisdom of the Bible, and continue to pray for the day when Israel's enemies will extend their hands in friendship.
Raising Our Faithful Voices
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | February 7, 2018
The case of a current candidate for public office – whose anti-Semitic, racist, and conspiratorial views were long ago rejected by decent people – reminds us, as people of faith, that we must be ever vigilant against the rise of vicious, baseless hatred.
A Celebration of God's Creation
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | January 31, 2018
On January 31st, Jews around the world observe the holiday of Tu B'Shvat, which celebrates the miracle of all that God created. This includes the land of Israel, of which the prophet Isaiah wrote that God would make "her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord."
We Remember. We Act.
Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein | January 25, 2018
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we pledge to remember the 6,000,000 victims. But we cannot forget about those who survived the Holocaust. Over 400,000 Jewish survivors live in poverty. Sadly, 40 survivors die every single day – alone and forgotten. It won’t be long before none of them are left. We must act now to help them while...