A Message from Marc

Marc's Message

CJP's President and CEO, Rabbi Marc Baker, writes and teaches about leadership, community, and civic life, bringing the voice of Jewish tradition to contemporary issues.

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Mar 10, 2020

Thoughts on Coronavirus and Purim

Shalom Chaverim,

I am writing on Purim, a holiday of celebration, joy, and fun in the face of a world that, especially at this moment, feels unpredictable.

One of the themes of the Purim story comes precisely from that unpredictability: nahafoch hu — fate can turn any moment and …

Feb 28, 2020

Israel 4

Playing Our Part

Shalom Chaverim,

I’m writing from Jerusalem as Shabbat approaches, and the sun rises over the Old City. We’re nearing the end of an intense, week-long CJP Mission with a diverse group of friends new and old, some of whom have never been to Israel. There is nothing quite like seeing Isra…

Feb 14, 2020

Party with Purpose

Shalom Chaverim,

Last Saturday night, at CJP’s annual Chai in the Hub event, we celebrated 12 young professional and volunteer leaders — a group that includes rabbis, educators, doctors, entrepreneurs, and more — who are making a difference in our community. More than 450 young adults…

Jan 31, 2020

Remember: Never Forget

Shalom Chaverim,

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
-George Santayana

“More and more we seem to be having trouble connecting our historical knowledge with our moral choices today. I can imagine a society that understands history very well but does not …

Jan 17, 2020

The Threefold Chord

Shalom Chaverim,

Last week more than 100 people representing Jewish organizations from across Greater Boston gathered in the beautiful social hall of Congregation Kehillath Israel in Brookline for the second LEAP (Leveraging Expertise to Advance Partners) session. LEAP was developed in dire…