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Rabbi Marc Baker
Rabbi Marc Baker leads CJP's mission to strengthen Jewish life and build community across Greater Boston. His biweekly reflections offer insights on philanthropy, community building, and Jewish values in action. He has served in Jewish communal leadership for over two decades, focusing on innovation in community care and sustainable impact.
Articles by Author
May 15, 2026
The Power of If
As my children prepare to head back to their respective schools, both here and in Israel, I am especially mindful of this late-summer time of transition, which for many of us brings both anxiety and a..
May 15, 2026
Tisha B’Av Reflections
This Saturday night, the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av (the 9th of Av) begins. Tisha B’Av is the saddest day of the year on the Jewish calendar, commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Te..
May 15, 2026
A Visit to Washington, DC
Last week I flew to Washington, D.C. for an emergency fly-in with 400 leaders and representatives from Jewish communities, federations, and national Jewish organizations across the country. The fly-in..
May 15, 2026
The Pain of Jewish Peoplehood
Over the past two weeks, my conversations with community members have turned to the fear and anxiety that so many are feeling right now. Twice in the past two weeks we have seen violent, antisemitic a..
May 15, 2026
Turning Pain into Purpose
Over these past few days, many of us are once again experiencing a range of emotions that has become painfully familiar. I am heartbroken over the murders of Yaron Lischinsky (z"l) and Sarah Lynn Milg..
May 15, 2026
You Shall Be Holy: CJP at 130
In many spiritual traditions, holiness is achieved in solitude, through separation from the day-to-day world. Climb a mountain, sit in silence, commune with God. In this week’s double Torah portion, A..
May 15, 2026
Commemorating Yom HaShoah
Today we mark Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, a moment to collectively pause and reflect. With fewer and fewer survivors to tell their stories, it’s up to us to share their testimonials and ex..
May 15, 2026
A Passover Message: Courage, Community, and the Hostages in Gaza
Passover begins this Saturday night, and I am looking forward to Seder in Jerusalem with my family and friends. It's impossible to reflect on the story of enslavement and liberation without thinking o..
May 14, 2026
Blessing at Mayor Wu’s Address
We are honored that CJP's President and CEO Rabbi Marc Baker had the opportunity to offer a blessing at Mayor Michelle Wu’s State of the City Address on March 19, 2025, joining fellow faith leaders in..
May 14, 2026
The Purim Story Today: Courage in an Upside-Down World
Dear Friends, Today is the holiday of Purim, a story that took place 2,500 years ago, but one that also feels too relevant right now. The Book of Esther, which tells the Purim story, is an extraordina..