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Articles by Aaron Starr
3 years after Oct. 7, I'm putting principle before party at the ballot box | Opinion
Rabbi Aaron Starr, spiritual leader of Congregation Shaarey Zedek in Southfield and president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis. I am a rabbi and a leader of Michigan's mainstream Jewish community, which has predominantly voted for Democratic candidates for generations. I will not vote for U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in the upcoming election, nor for certain other Democrats whose actions and rhetoric resemble his.
Israel Under Construction
What better way to rebuild the Jewish people than with more Jewish children? I returned recently from two and a half weeks studying at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem with one overwhelming impression: Israel is under construction. The evidence is everywhere. Construction cranes fill the Israeli skyline as apartment towers rise to address the country’s housing shortage. Roads have been torn open to make way for new light rail lines.
Run, Hide, Fight … and Live
We must remember to live Jewishly: to live joyfully, defiantly, spiritually and proudly as Jews. Law enforcement agencies advise civilians that “run, hide or fight” are the three potential responses to active-threat situations, in that order: First, if you can safely run away, then run. If you cannot run but can hide, then hide. And, finally, when running or hiding is impossible, fight back with anything and everything available. Run. Hide. Fight.
A Commencement Address for Us All: Shavuot 5786
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. This is the season of commencement addresses.
A Commencement Address for Us All: Shavuot 5786 - Aaron Starr
This is the season of commencement addresses. Across the country, graduates are putting on caps and gowns, there is one person in the family taking far too many photographs for the rest of the family’s liking, and distinguished speakers are trying to say something profound in under fifteen minutes. And every commencement speech tends to follow the same formula.
The Blogs: Space Aliens in Jewish Thought
What does Judaism say about space aliens? While the question might seem like the beginning of a Purim joke, the truth is that rabbis in every generation are asked to wrestle with traditional Jewish teachings in light of modern discoveries and contemporary challenges. Recent statements by President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump suggest that now might be such a time. After all, just last week, Presidents Obama and Trump were both talking about extraterrestrial life.
The Blogs: A Rabbi’s Murder; A Movement’s Legacy: 60 Years of American Jewish History
Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post. A congregant murdered our rabbi sixty years ago.
The Blogs: Responding to Anti-Jewish Extremism in America
Extremism begets extremism, and extremism has become mainstream in America, giving platform to Jew-hatred. Most recently, on Tuesday, the anti-Zionist socialist who refused to condemn the expression “Globalize the Intifada,” Zohran Mamdani, won four out of five boroughs in a trouncing of his electoral opponents. In response to the extremism of our times and as a product of the extremism of our times, he is now mayor-elect of New York.
Torah Portion: A Most Important Teaching Original
Parshat V’etchanan: Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11; Isaiah 40:1-26. What is Judaism’s most important teaching? Some might say tikkun olam. Others might say, quoting Pirkei Avot, “The world stands on three things: Torah, Prayer, and Acts of Loving-Kindness.” For me, I suggest a quotation from Parshat V’etchanan, in which Moses is offering his first of three speeches before our ancestors crossed into Israel without him: “… do what is right and good in the eyes of the Eternal” (Deuteronomy 6:18).
Rabbi Aaron Starr on How Community Shapes a Jewish Child’s Growth
On June 12, 2025, our oldest child, Caleb, walked across the stage to receive his diploma as a graduate of the Frankel Jewish Academy, thereby matriculating from Jaguar to Wolverine. “And the Children of Israel set out on their journeys,” the Torah teaches (Num. 10:12). Indeed, they do — as somehow, some way, the Children of Israel become adults.
Local Rabbis on the Meaning of Passover | Reflections on Freedom
Choosing Justice And Compassion The Jewish people are a family aggrieved. At Passover, we recount for ourselves, for our children and often for the non-Jews we invite to seder how, “in every generation, people rise up to destroy us.” This year is no exception.
The ‘Day After’ the ‘Day After’
Let’s reenergize our efforts to care for those in need — whether they be among our people or among the broader community. I’m honored that in the last days and weeks, I’ve heard from so many on both sides of the political aisle. I know that some of us are elated and some of us are relieved. Some of us are terrified and some of us are angry.
‘We Are Linked Arm-in-Arm’
On Oct. 7, Congregation Shaarey Zedek Rabbi Aaron Starr welcomed more than 4,000 people at a memorial event on the anniversary of the Hamas pogrom the year before. What follows are his remarks in full. For the story about the event, please see page 8. On behalf of the Congregation Shaarey Zedek family, welcome to our sacred home and thank you for being here.
Advanced Practice Provider Leadership Structures May Hold the Key to Unlocking Improved Performance
Author: The growing shortage of physicians — a gap the American Association of Medical Colleges estimates will reach 86,000 by 2036* — coupled with persistent financial pressures has forced healthcare employers to opt for new avenues to improve both clinical and financial performance. Many have empowered their advanced practice provider (APP) cohorts to function more independently. This enhanced independence allows APPs to see more patients and provide higher-level medical decision-making.
Opinion | Rabbi Starr’s Message After the Hostage Tragedy
Every soul that Hamas tried to extinguish deserves its own letter; each person murdered or killed deserves his or her own memorial. I am profoundly sad and deeply angry this morning as I continue to process the murder of six more Israeli hostages by Hamas. The hostages recently found are Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, Eden Yerushalmi, 24, Ori Danino, 25, Alex Lubnov, 32, Carmel Gat, 40, and Almog Sarusi, 27.
A Seat at the Table, a Prayer for Freedom -Local Rabbis Share Passover 2024 Messages
How do we as Jews gather at our seder tables when the hostage situation by Passover may be unresolved? Let My people go that they may celebrate a festival for Me in the wilderness …” Exodus 5:1. Have any words ever sounded more profound and relevant than they do right now. By the time the sun sets on the first seder, if they are still in Gaza, some 134 hostages, whether they be alive or dead, will have been held hostage for 198 days.
The Masks Are Off: To Battle Antisemitism, We Need Action and Organization
Our efforts to protect Jews and Judaism must include strengthening Jewish institutions. In the first couple months after Oct. 7, many pro-Palestinian/anti-Israel protesters wore masks. Perhaps they feared the repercussions of their actions if their friends or employers were to discover their ideology.
Advanced Practice Providers’ Expanding Authority Continues to Drive Compensation
Author: Developing effective compensation programs for employed advanced practice providers (APPs) has never been more important for healthcare organizations across the country.
Unveiling Miscommunications in the Middle East
I pray for the day when Palestinians will indeed be free, emulating Israel by granting Gazans the opportunity for true freedom, along with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. As a “Pro-Israel” American, I thank you for taking the time to read this letter.
When Our Own Strength Fails Us
When Our Own Strength Fails Us: Reorganizing the American Jewish Community after October 7 Two months after October 7, with the meteoric rise in antisemitism and antisemitic acts throughout North America and the world, it is obvious that what American Jews considered to be our strengths as a Jewish community were insufficient to address the current crisis.
Drafted & Enlisted
Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, committing heinous acts against children, young people and the old; thousands of Israeli reservists received the call to join the soldiers of the IDF in protecting the country and its citizens. Despite years of political polarization and a months’ long judicial crisis, more than 100% of reservists accepted their mission.
Republicans and Democrats Are Not Enemies
We are partners in building a nation committed to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all U.S. citizens. A recent Wall Street Journal article reported that about 80% of Republicans and roughly the same number of Discourse across party lines, and we must model this counter-cultural behavior for our fellow Americans to see.
Purely Commentary: Taking Sides on Israel’s Crisis of the Judiciary | Detroit Jewish News
After all, in teaching the world that each person is created in God’s image, Jews were the first to affirm the dignity of every human and the subsequent notion of inalienable rights. American Jews, you have to choose sides on Israel,” declared Thomas Friedman (3/7/23) in the New York Times for all the world to read.
Purely Commentary: Ancient Lessons to Battle Modern Antisemitism | Detroit Jewish News
As we grapple with today’s antisemitism in preparation for 2023, we would do well to look to the lessons of Purim, Passover and Chanukah to plan our response. As 2022 winds down, the continued rise of antisemitism serves as story of the year for the American Jewish community. As we grapple with today’s antisemitism in preparation for 2023, we would do well to look to the lessons of Purim, Passover and Chanukah to plan our response.
The Re-Christening of America — Detroit Jewish News
The American future and the Jewish future, including that of our Jewish third-graders today and tomorrow, depend on what we do right now. When I was in third grade in Troy Public Schools, my teacher invited us to join her in a weekly, afterschool Bible study she was to lead. I came home and shared with my parents my desire to join all my friends in this club. The next day we heard from our teacher that afterschool Bible study was canceled.
Torah Portion: The Blessings of Synagogue Life — Detroit Jewish News
Parshat Emor: Leviticus 21:1-24:23; Ezekiel 44:15-31. My grandfather, Harry Starr of blessed memory, was a shul guy: He attended minyan every day, even volunteering to make breakfast most mornings for the attendees. Especially as he aged, going to the synagogue gave shape to his day, rhythm to his week and purpose to his years. My father, Jim Starr, has carried on his father’s legacy; he, too, is a shul guy.
Rabbi Aaron Starr, Wolf Gruca (z’l), Caleb Starr. This photo was taken at the bar mitzvah of Caleb Starr in May 2020. As we prepare to mark a Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) for which few survivors remain, we are forced anew to confront the question, “What does it mean to remember?” “Remember me,” were the last words that my grandfather, Wolf Gruca (z’l), uttered to my children before he died in 2021 at the age of 101.
A Prayer for Ukraine — Detroit Jewish News
Consider adding this prayer to your seder this year for the people of Ukraine. Shield of Abraham, Protector of Sarah, rise up in protection of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, so that they may travel on eagles’ wings safely to the Promised Land. There may they know the loving embrace of family and kinsmen and, together with all Jews, may their futures hold blessing and success, prosperity and peace.
AIPAC, Israel and the Morality of Alliances - Aaron Starr
“Do not associate with a person given to anger, or go about with one who is hot-tempered, lest you learn his ways and find yourself ensnared.” Proverbs 22:24-25. AIPAC, the most powerful pro-Israel lobby in the United States, came under fire recently from some of its centrists and left-leaning supporters when AIPAC’s newly formed PAC released its list of recipients.
AIPAC, Israel and the Morality of Alliances
“Do not associate with a person given to anger, or go about with one who is hot-tempered, lest you learn his ways and find yourself ensnared.” Proverbs 22:24-25. AIPAC, the most powerful pro-Israel lobby in the United States, came under fire recently from some of its centrists and left-leaning supporters when AIPAC’s newly formed PAC released its list of recipients.
Morality, Wisdom and Hope in 2022 — Detroit Jewish News
As we begin 2022, the morality, wisdom and hope of the Jewish people offer compass and stability to a world desperately in need of direction and calm.
Court Says Oxnard Denied Voters’ Rights
We had a major victory in court this week! Added by Douglas Batistic on October 28, 2021.
Oxnard City Hall Defies Court Order
Added by Douglas Batistic on August 25, 2021. Saved under Government Meetings/Events, Municipal Services, Oxnard/Port Hueneme/Camarillo/Somis, Politics Tags: Aaron Starr, Judge Matthew Guasco, lawsuit, Oxnard City Hall, solid waste, utility rates, wastewater, Water by Aaron Starr Oxnard City Hall was ordered by a judge to lower your utility rates by June 16 … but they have refused to do it.
Guest Column: What’s Kosher in Combating Racism? — Detroit Jewish News
We are in the grips of a culture war in this country, with questions of race and racism at the very heart of the battle. Open any American news source, and America’s “culture wars” dominate the headlines. With conservatives on one side and liberals on the other, we vilify each other as if in preparation for a civil war.
Torah Portion: Arguing for Heaven’s Sake — Detroit Jewish News
Parshat Korach: Numbers 16:1-18:32; I Samuel 11:14-12:22. Among the many gifts Judaism offers us are two seemingly contradictory notions. The first gift is future-oriented: When the messianic era arrives, all humanity will unite behind shared truths and peace among peoples will prevail. In those times even “the wolf shall dwell with the lamb; the leopard (will) lay down with the kid … And the lion, like the ox, shall eat straw” (Isaiah 11:6-7).
Guest Column: Judaism After the Pandemic — Detroit Jewish News
A Shabbat service at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, available for those in person and on Zoom. (Screenshot) As COVID-19 transforms from an acute crisis to a chronic condition, Jewish leaders are wrestling with which institutional changes brought about in the past year deserve to continue. In countless conversations, the same words arise to describe this past year: loss, loneliness, fear, as well as opportunity, gratitude and “silver linings.” Mourners grieved alone. Parents suffered exhaustion.
Should We Buy Oxnard's City Manager Alex Nguyen a Dictionary?
Added by Debra Tash on February 9, 2021. Saved under Conservative, Editorial, Opinion Tags: Aaron Starr, Moving Oxnard Forward, Oxnard, Oxnard City Hall, Oxnard City Manager Alex Nguyen By Aaron Starr Unfortunately, name-calling is the level of discourse we have come to expect from Oxnard City Hall. In last week’s issue of the Tri County Sentry, Oxnard City Manager Alex Nguyen called yours truly a “Fascist” because we use the democratic process to bring increased transparency to local government.
How Jewish Wisdom Can Heal A Divided America
Whether priest or prophet, politician or pundit, those who speak to others of morals and lofty ideals are expected not only to live those morals and to achieve those lofty ideals, but to exceed them as well. Failure to do so results – right or wrong — in accusations of hypocrisy.
Torah Portion: This Too Shall Pass — Detroit Jewish News
How will we mark the transition from B.C. (Before COVID-19) to A.C. (After COVID-19)? When the loss, the suffering, the sadness and the anxiety associated with the coronavirus comes to an end, we will emerge on the other side. Perhaps it is foolish or even naive to look ahead to that moment. But I pray and believe that we will come out stronger, smarter and kinder; and I look forward to that time.
Seder Resource: A New 4 Questions, A New 4 Sons
Apr 6, 2020, 11:06 PM Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post.
Rabbi Starr: 'Why the Jews?' — Detroit Jewish News
With the rise of anti-Semitism, Rabbi Aaron Starr poses the question, “Why the Jews?” By Rabbi Aaron Starr Why the Jews? The week after Thanksgiving, speaking at the annual conference of American Muslims for Palestine, a political activist and former co-chair of the Women’s March took yet another shot at Israel and the Jews when she declared that the State of Israel is “built on the idea that Jews are supreme to everyone else.” Why the Jews?
The Beginning of a Leadership Journey — Detroit Jewish News
Rabbis Ariana Silverman and Aaron Starr at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem By Rabbi Ariana Silverman and Rabbi Aaron Starr Rabbinic Leadership Initiative provides learning opportunity in Israel for diverse group of rabbis What happens when two rabbis from two different congregations in the Detroit area gather in Jerusalem with a diverse group of 23 other Orthodox, Conservative and Reform North American rabbis and three Israeli rabbis to study Jewish sacred scripture in one of the...
When at the Crossroad, Do Something...
I used Facebook recently to ask of friends around the community, “What are the two biggest “challenges or obstacles” facing Judaism today? Or, alternatively, what two aspects of Judaism do you think ought to change in light of the 21st century in order to encourage more Jews to “do Jewish” deeply? The responses covered a variety of areas. Some suggested that 21st century non-Orthodox Jews need a Judaism not rooted in institutions, like synagogue or Federation.
From Pittsburgh to Poway: What Do We Do Now?
Here we are again. Six months ago, we mourned the tragedy known now simply as Pittsburgh. We were sad, scared, angry, and frankly, surprised. But here we are again, not that long after Poway and not that long after Pittsburgh. In the days after Poway we were again sad, for sure; angry – boy, do I still feel angry; but were we shocked that such a tragedy could occur again? Were we surprised? I felt none of that this second time around.
A Zionist and a BDSer Walk into A Seder
This coming Passover, in addition to participating in the seder, a good deal of time will be spent around the table discussing domestic politics and world affairs. Reflecting on how the chasms in our society seemingly grow ever larger among so many different fault lines, some of us will even integrate our concerns about the state of the world into the seder itself. We will speak of the poor and the rich and those of color and those of, well, less color.
A Great Schism or a Great Exaggeration?
Jan 11, 2019, 7:10 PM Please note that the posts on The Blogs are contributed by third parties. The opinions, facts and any media content in them are presented solely by the authors, and neither The Times of Israel nor its partners assume any responsibility for them. Please contact us in case of abuse. In case of abuse, Report this post.
The Conversation about the Birthrate Conversation
For the first time since he came to America nearly seventy years ago, my 98-year-old grandfather spoke to a group of adults about his life before, during, and after the Shoah of World War II: “I was the youngest in the house,” Grandpa told them in his heavily-accented English. “I had three brothers and two sisters. My father had three brothers and one sister, all of whom were married and had families. My mother had four brothers and one sister; also, all were married and had families.
Who’s the boss? Conservative Judaism and its crisis of leadership
Among my favorite television shows from childhood is Who’s the Boss? Each week viewers were treated to the personal and professional tension that occupied the home of Angela Bower and her son, Jonathan; their live-in housekeeper, Tony, and his daughter Samantha; and Angela’s feisty mother, Mona. Authority shifted in any given moment between the adults and children, the man and woman, the homeowner and the housekeeper, and the mother and her adult daughter.
Time to say Kaddish for 'tikkun olam'
As we welcome in this New Year, we know that we are at a critical juncture in American Jewish history. Synagogue affiliation continues to drop. Jewish ritual practice weakens with every passing year. Parents are far too often choosing for their children to attend soccer and gymnastics over Hebrew School and youth group. Even Israel — that one topic which used to unite the Jewish people — even Israel has become a lightning rod that divides, rather than unites us.
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