Author

  • Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal

    Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal serves as CEO of the Rabbinical Assembly and CEO of USCJ. He previously served for 20 years as the founding rabbi of Shaare Torah in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Picture of Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal serves as CEO of the Rabbinical Assembly and CEO of USCJ. He previously served for 20 years as the founding rabbi of Shaare Torah in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

My Posts

Balancing Pain and Celebration: Sukkot Message 5786

As we reach Sukkot and the anniversary of October 7, Jacob Blumenthal provides a message about balancing pain and celebration.
October 3, 2025 Holidays Israel

High Holiday Message 5786

Dear Friends: I’ve experienced earthquakes twice in my life, and though fortunately they were both mild, I found each experience remarkably terrifying. Supposedly, there is ...
September 16, 2025 Elul Holidays
Dayenu A Passover Message

Dayenu: A Passover Message

This Passover, and beyond, may we have the blessing of adding a few more verses of Dayenu for the miracles in our lives, and our ...
April 10, 2025 Holidays October 7th and Israel-Hamas War
The power of memory making

The Power of Memory-Making

Memory-making, the way we tell ourselves our story, the way we frame our history, offers the opportunity to give us power and, ultimately, hope.
September 17, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
Gathering Our People: Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzma’ut

Gathering Our People: Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzma’ut

While I express my love for Jewish tradition, I am also holding the Jewish people in my hands and giving them a kiss as well.
May 9, 2024 Holidays October 7th and Israel-Hamas War
B'khol Dor Vador In Every Generation

B’khol Dor Vador—In Every Generation

What does "b'khol dor vador—in every generation" mean in light of the events of October 7? How does this connect us to Passover?
March 27, 2024 Holidays Passover

Ethical Approaches to Advertising: A Jewish Perspective

The responsibility of sellers to enact ethical advertising of their products is equal to, if not greater than that of the careful consumer.
, May 25, 2023 Business Ethics Commerce

A Jewish Lens on Investing and Gambling

What special ethical concerns arise as the distinction between company owners and customers is blurred by equity investment?
, May 25, 2023 Business Ethics Commerce

Talmudic Discussions on Monopolies

Where a monopoly offers a clear benefit to consumers, Jewish tradition does sanction them on a closely regulated basis.
, May 24, 2023 Business Ethics Commerce
Signing of Business Contract

Honesty in Business

The laws that govern commerce aim to prevent the unscrupulous transfer of property or money from its rightful possessor to another person.
, May 24, 2023 Business Ethics Commerce