Articles from Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein

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The Jewish News of Northern California

"Moses Adores God in the Burning Bush" by James Tissot, ca. 1900

Torah

‘Who am I?’ — Moses’ deep humility serves as a model for us all

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein January 23, 2025January 23, 2025

a classical painting of two young men discussing something secretively by candlelight

Torah

Jacob’s biggest decision makes us ask: Does the end ever justify the means?

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein November 27, 2024November 27, 2024

Or Shalom congregants (from left) Corey Weinstein, Margo Freistadt, Jeffrey Brandstetter and Mary Ann Goldstein sound the shofar on Bernal Hill in San Francisco, Sept. 2023. (Aaron Levy-Wolins/J. Staff)

Torah

Modern Judaism makes a mistake by overemphasizing the High Holidays

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein October 10, 2024October 10, 2024

"God Reassures Moses" by James Tissot (The Jewish Museum)

Torah

Did Moses give the Israelites a mission — or a mission impossible?

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein August 22, 2024August 22, 2024

Detail from "The Death of Korah, Dathan and Abiram" by Gustave Doré, 1865

Torah

This week’s Torah portion warns us about demagogues and populism

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

(Photo/Lukas Medvedevas via pexels.com)

Torah

This Torah portion teaches that we can’t go it alone — and we don’t need to

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein May 16, 2024May 16, 2024

an antique drawing of a great cloud hovering over the mishkan with israelites worshipping

Torah

If God had created a perfect world, humans would be nothing more than robots

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein March 28, 2024March 28, 2024

From "Moses Breaking the Tablets of the Law" by Rembrandt

Torah

Even for newly liberated Israelites, freedom doesn’t exist in a vacuum

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein February 8, 2024April 1, 2024

"Jacob Wrestling with the Angel" Gustave Doré, 1855

Torah

We can survive struggles with our inner demons, just like Jacob

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

Detail of “Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden” by Ori Sherman. (Photo/Courtesy Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life)

Torah

How Adam and Eve changed the very nature of our existence

by Rabbi Niles Elliot Goldstein October 12, 2023