Congregation Mishkan Tefila

05/17/2026

05/08/2026

Shabbat Shalom! As we close the Book of Leviticus, Rabbi David Starr, Ph.D. reminds us that while we build the world through our choices, we must also learn to pause. Putting down our tools to let the land rest isn't just a break—it's an act of humility that connects us to a higher order.

We are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

05/05/2026

Decorative...

05/01/2026

Mazel Tov to Rabbi Mike Uram on his new role as Chancellor of the The Jewish Theological Seminary - JTS!

In this week's Shabbat message, Rabbi David Starr reflects on "A New Day for Conservative Judaism." By looking at the sacred calendar and the three pilgrimage holidays—Passover, Sukkot, and Shavuot—he explores the vital work and vision Rabbi Uram brings to the future of JTS and our movement.

04/21/2026

A special Yom Ha'Atzmaut message from Rabbi David Starr, Ph.D.

04/14/2026

A special Yom HaShoah message from Rabbi David Starr, Ph.D.

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03/20/2026

As we enter into Spring we also enter into the book of Leviticus.

In this week’s Shabbat message, Rabbi David Starr, Ph.D., explores the Book of Leviticus and the concept of Korbanot. He poses a powerful question: The things we sacrifice for are the things we care for the most.

Take a moment to reflect: What are you giving your time and energy to this week?

03/13/2026

Shabbat Shalom! In this week's message, The World is a Temple, Rabbi David Starr, Ph.D. explores the relationship between human society and the perfection of the Mishkan.

The message addresses the distance between reality and the Tabernacle. Starr posits that self-refinement and the repair of the world are a single project. One works on the self to improve the world; one improves the world to work on the self. These two tasks function as one.

How do you work as one with the world?

03/06/2026

Shabbat is almost here, and with it, a new message from Rabbi David Starr, Ph.D.: "Connecting with God and Changing the World."

What does Moses’s "face-to-face" communication with God teach us? For Jews, the focus is on the presence we bring to this world. We change the world by bringing god into it.