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In the late 1980s, when same-sex marriage was just a dream, and no one asked for or volunteered their pronouns, friends and acquaintances who were Jewish lesbians told stories of family members sitting shiva when they came out.
On my East Coast university’s campus, there was both a Hillel and a Lesbian and Gay Student Alliance, but not one organization spoke to the intersection of both Jewish and LGBTQ realities. Into this world of ours, someone brought the news that somewhere out west, there was a gay synagogue.
The news was repeated in cadences of awe and hope. As both...
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Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, is reported to have once said, "There will not be peace until access to the kebab is universal." Amen! Today, on what is apparently Kebab Day, we celebrate those little sticks of deliciousness. Here are a few of our favorite kebab recipes.
- Moroccan Chicken Kebabs: Jewish cooking expert Tina Wasserman explains, "Whether served as part of an assortment of mezes (small...
“Stop lying to women!”
The voices of hundreds of pro-choice advocates rung as I sat at my desk on Tuesday morning, the Supreme Court just outside the window. Each day brings another group of protesters, their voices permeate the glass, sometimes full of glee, sometimes broken.
On any given day protesters gather before the Supreme Court awaiting rulings. This day, we were expecting a ruling on National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA) v. Becerra decision. The court would decide if Crisis Pregnancy Centers (CPCs), faith-based “clinics” that claim to provide full...
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“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5
As I sit on the porch of my cabin, feeling the breeze pass by as the wind chime clinks, I reflect on my time at URJ Kutz Camp so far. Friends and congregants often ask, “Why do you go to the Kutz during the summer?” Located in Warwick, N.Y., it is far away from my home in Florida and is only for teens aspiring to lead or create in some way. Serving as a returning faculty member, especially this year in particular, is more...
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“I Have Only Known”
I have only known how to tell of myself. My world is narrow like that of an ant I carry my burden like it too heavy for my weak shoulders…
>A hidden fear of the hand of giants Mocks all my paths, causing me to cry Why did you call to me, wonderous land? Why did you deceive me, distant lights?
Rahel (Rahel Bluwstein, 1890 – 1931) Translation by Reuven Greenvald
On the edge of south Tel Aviv, next to the Ayalon highway, stands a rundown, gray industrial building. From...
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