Rabbi Michael Barclay
Purim: A Biblical Response to Coronavirus
There is a tradition within Judaism that all actions in the world can be viewed through the lens of the Torah reading of the week.
top of page
Search
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Nov 20, 20195 min read
Lessons on Immigration From The Bible Story of Abraham and Sarah
There is a tradition within Judaism that all actions in the world can be viewed through the lens of the Torah reading of the week. Based ..
Rabbi Michael Barclay
May 26, 20193 min read
Memorial Day Is a Jewish Holiday Too
In the 1890s, Mark Twain wrote an article about how Jews did not serve in the military of the United States. In response to that, 63 Jewish.
Rabbi Michael Barclay
May 1, 20192 min read
Dear Rep. Ilhan Omar: Just Admit You Are a Blatant Anti-Semite Who Hates Israel and the Jews
Someone needs to teach Representative Omar of Minnesota the meaning of irony.
This freshman representative who spent so much time......
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Apr 19, 20193 min read
A Time for Freedom Through Action
On the evening of April 19th, Jews around the world will celebrate the holiday of Passover over a Seder, the ritualized meal that marks....
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Apr 2, 20193 min read
An Open Letter to Rep. Adam Schiff: Stop Spreading Accusatory Gossip about Trump
Dear Mr. Schiff:
As a rabbi in your home state of California, thank you for your service, dedication, and passion in serving our nation.
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Mar 11, 20195 min read
The Politics of Purim: A Fitting Time for a ‘Jexodus'
On March 20, Jews around the world will celebrate the holiday of Purim, a time when we stopped “negotiating,” recognized the core values....
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Dec 6, 20181 min read
Hanukkah Celebration Includes Music
Temple Ner Simcha and the Stonehaus at Westlake Village Inn will host the annual Community Hanukkah Celebration at 6 p.m. Fri., Dec. 7 ...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Nov 30, 20183 min read
Interfaith: God can always make light last in the midst of darkness
Between the recent massacre at the synagogue in Pittsburgh, the horrific shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill and the terrible fires in...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Nov 8, 20182 min read
Interfaith service continues prayers for Tree of Life
At a vigil Sunday night honoring the victims of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Rabbi Michael Barclay said the appropriate response to...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Oct 16, 20181 min read
Weekly Parsha: Lech Lecha
The addition of the letter Hei into Avraham’s name occurs at the end of this week’s Torah portion, but to understand it, we need to look ...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Aug 29, 20181 min read
Table for Five: Ki Tavo
The 13th-century mystic Rumi taught, “Mysteries are not meant to be solved. The eye goes blind when it only wants to see why.” This Torah..
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Aug 1, 20181 min read
Temple hosts talk on anti-Semitism
Temple Ner Simcha will host a public lecture and discussion titled “Anti-Semitism: A History of Hate” at 5:30 p.m. Sun., Aug. 5 in a .....
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Jul 4, 20182 min read
Jazz musicians help temple celebrate July 4
In honor of America’s birthday, Temple Ner Simcha will host a “Jewish Jazzy July Shabbat Under the Stars” service at 7 p.m. Fri., July 6 ...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Apr 11, 20181 min read
TABLE FOR FIVE: Five Takes on the Weekly Parsha, Shemini
Whereas many traditions emphasize faith, Judaism focuses on behavior, on actions that lead to understanding. Not just words. Here, ...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Mar 15, 20184 min read
Whether a Jew or not, Passover is a good time to assess what we are slaves to
Most “religious” films about Passover have little to do with theological understandings of the holiday. (Think “Gods & Kings,” which one....
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Dec 22, 20174 min read
The Choice to Do the Rite Thing
There is something truly divine about the wedding ceremony. A palpable feeling exists in the room — and especially under the chuppah — ...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Sep 27, 20172 min read
Day of Atonement approaches
STEPPING INTO A SPIRITUAL REALITY—Yom Kippur is the peak of the High Holy Day season, says Rabbi Michael Barclay of Temple Ner Simcha, a ...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Sep 27, 20171 min read
Rabbi share insights in Rosh Hashanah sermons
God’s love is so overwhelming, so awesome. If we can just for a moment realize at a deep emotional level that every aspect of life has ...
Rabbi Michael Barclay
Sep 14, 20173 min read
Westlake Village Rabbi bets the Temple on change
For Rabbi Michael Barclay, a leap of faith and a high-stakes gamble are one in the same.
As the Jewish High Holy Days approach, the ....
bottom of page