Blog

Your Hanukkah Gift-Giving Guide is Here!

Crystal Hill
November 30, 2023
Hanukkah is one of my favorite holidays, partially because it gives me the opportunity to give gifts to my loved ones every night for eight nights! Gift giving with intentionality is one of my favorite ways to express affection while teaching my child about Jewish values and traditions.

Giving Tuesday: More Than a Day on the Calendar

Gabi Kirsch
November 16, 2023
As we approach #GivingTuesday and prepare to exemplify one of our core values by giving tzedakah, the Reform Movement is continuing our dedication to strengthening local and global Jewish communities.

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree 

Rabbi Toby Manewith
Rachel Margolis, RJE
November 15, 2023
Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7th and Israel’s ongoing response has stirred emotions both within and outside the Jewish community. Over the next weeks, as family and friends gather for holiday celebrations, there may be differences of opinion. Here are a few tips from Jewish sources to help maintain loving relationships while disagreeing.

A Temple Has Two Meanings

Laura Frank
November 8, 2023
Earlier this year, on a beautiful spring day, we drove 30 minutes from our home in Philadelphia to a Thai temple and cultural center to celebrate Songkran, Thailand's Lunar New Year.

Roots in Cuba: A Journey of Identity

Sumiko Zayon
November 3, 2023
Before Fidel Castro's rise to power in 1959, Cuba was home to over 15,000 Jews. However, by the time I was born in 1988, that number had dwindled to approximately 1,500. For most Jews, Cuba had become a transit point on their way to the United States. Nevertheless, a few families, like mine, chose to remain. When he rose to power, Castro imposed restrictions on religious practices. Although these policies were not specifically aimed at Jews, we were still negatively impacted. My mother and Aunt Lulu would whisper "Ma’oz Tzur," share stories of the Hanukkah gifts from Abuelo Abraham, and tell us about the delicious apple walnut charoset their Bobbe used to make. My sister recently reminded me that we used to ask Mami: "If that charoset is so delicious, why don’t we make it?"

Nourishing the Soul and Body with Bread

Rabbi Deborah Prinz
November 2, 2023
There are many ways that rabbis nourish their communities. Some focus on working with local charities to support people in need, and others connect with the wider community through education. Some rabbis have found a way to do both using a unique medium: challah.