Religious Education
During these uncertain times, it’s difficult to find a routine and a sense of normalcy – but being a part of the largest Jewish movement in North America can help ground us. Reform Judaism reminds us that our Judaism is one that is adaptive and manifest in many forms, from attending Shabbat via livestream to reading Jewish texts at home, and even listening to Jewish podcasts. Here are six Jewish podcasts to help you engage with your Judaism from home. 1. On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah What it is: Each Monday, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform... Read More
Spending more time than usual at home these days? Even as you try to talk to your children about bad things happening in the world, it’s important to find ways to pass the time in ways that keep kids entertained, engaged, and educated. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Jewishly inspired crafts, recipes, activities, videos, and other ideas to keep you and your family occupied during days spent at home – all while learning about and embracing Judaism together. (Psst: Home for Shabbat? Check out "How to Create a Meaningful Shabbat Experience at Home.") 1. Make items for your... Read More
Editor's Note: This piece was originally published on January 13, 2011, immedately following the death of beloved Jewish musician Debbie Friedman, z"l. Today, on the ninth anniversary of her death, we share it with you again. How did Debbie Friedman's music impact your life? We'd love to hear from you in the comment section below. Singer Debbie Friedman helped me find something I often lacked during childhood and young adulthood. She helped me discover a love for my faith and the beauty and meaning of many prayers. I saw Debbie in concert just once. I had no idea who she was, having... Read More
I love Tot Shabbat. I’ve written before about how excited my wife and I are to bring our daughter into the world of Reform Judaism and expose her to its values. Tot Shabbat represents her first opportunity to take a step forward and create her own version of Judaism. For the uninitiated, Tot Shabbat is a Friday or Saturday program series for families with children up to about age 6 that incorporates music and movement to introduce the history, values, and traditions of Judaism to a new generation. It brings the Shabbat experience alive in a fun and engaging way. But let’s be real... Read More
Where do I find a minyan (the quorum of 10 Jews required for public prayer) in Disneyland when I need to say Mourner's Kaddish for my father? Outside It’s a Small World, after all! There, my students ensured I had a community for Kaddish. My wife Michelle and I were chaperoning Congregation Or Ami’s seventh graders on a post-Shul-In trip to Disneyland to celebrate the beginning of the school year and the start of our new teen program. Although I knew it would be challenging to find a minyan for Kaddish, I wanted to be with our pre-teens. I hoped, as the saying... Read More
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