The Urban Rabbi

The Irreducible Holy: In Judaism (Unlike Gravity) What Goes Up, Must Stay Up

My Sermon reflecting on the Supreme Court's recent decision re: the Voting Rights Act. Parashat Emor (May 2, 2026 ~ 15 Iyar 5786)

May 8 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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A Final Stroll Through the “New Jewish Neighborhood”

Enjoy this advance copy of my concluding May/June 2026 column for Jmore!

May 1 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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April 2026

Tzara’at and Speech as Infectious Disease

My sermon from April 18, 2026 on Parashat Tazria-Metzora 5786

Apr 24 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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Anger, Idolatry, and the Golden Calf

In my teaching from Mar. 7, 2026, I ask how we can better understand the emotion of anger, both the destructive results that can follow but also the…

Apr 19 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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Stand Tall! The Secret Behind the Prohibition Against Eating Creepy Crawly Things

Ever wonder why Jews aren't supposed to eat bugs, lizards and snakes? Here's my post-Passover sermon on a hidden message behind our obsession with…

Apr 14 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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10:37

California Dreaming

A quick update as we prepare to head West!

Apr 14 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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February 2026

Observance & Observation: Holy Gathering On and Beyond Shabbat

A recent Saturday with a family of gorillas in the forests of southwestern Uganda reminded me what Shabbat is all about (photos and video from Paul…

Feb 24 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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January 2026

An Elegy for Two Neighborhood Heroes

My tribute to two beautiful individuals who contributed so very much in their lives. May their memories be for a blessing and may their legacies…

Jan 23

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December 2025

The Elusive Happy Ending

My Shabbat SERMON from Parashat Miketz. Delivered at Beth Am Synagogue in Baltimore on Dec. 20, 2025 ~ 30 Kislev 5786

Dec 21, 2025 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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14:43

Deborah the Nurse: Underground Warrior!

Seeking justice when the predominant culture challenges our core Jewish values

Dec 8, 2025 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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21:51

Shining our Miracles into the World

The full moon of Kislev tonight reminds me Hanukkah is just around the corner!

Dec 5, 2025 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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November 2025

"Shall I Hide?" (Shall We Seek?)

It's one thing to decide how much of ourselves to reveal to others. But how often do we assume we know exactly who others are and what they might…

Nov 10, 2025 • Rabbi Daniel Cotzin Burg

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