Related Blog Posts on Arts and Culture and Jewish Rituals and Symbols

The Brutalist: A Jewish Immigrant Saga for the Ages

Wes Hopper
Brady Corbet's "The Brutalist" opens with Hungarian architect, Jewish Holocaust survivor, and soon-to-be freshly minted U.S. immigrant László Toth in the shadowy depths of a ship headed into New York Harbor.

Winterfaith

Rachel Hall
"Winterfaith" seems a much more apt description for me than "interfaith." We're not observing two religions; I was raised Jewish, and my partner was not. Together, we are raising our children as Jewish campers, and even after 15+ years of our relationship, 11 of which with at least one child, the winter holidays are when our "interfaith" background proves to be the most challenging.

Jewish Stories to Curl Up with This Winter

Alex Graaff
A truly cozy read, in my opinion, is defined by its ability to keep me present. As the definition of cozy reading is subjective, I've compiled a list of Jewish cozy reads spanning a few genres. Wrap yourself up in your favorite blanket, turn the kettle on, and let's get started.

Is it Okay to Seek Joy?

Phyllis Freedman
In "Seeking Joy," on view at the Heller Museum at HUC-JIR/New York through June 26, 2025, over 50 artists share moments of happiness they have experienced.

This Summer's Hottest Jewish Films and Series

Wes Hopper
The hazy days of summer have arrived. School's out, pools are open, and Birkenstocks are back in style. Whether you're looking to beat the heat in a nice, air-conditioned theater or relax at home, here are eight films and series to check out this summer.

Making a Jewish Ritual for my Divorce

Rabbi Lisa S. Greene
In the weeks leading up to my civil divorce, I delved into Jewish tradition to see how I could mark it Jewishly. I'd been married under a chuppah with the exquisite blessings of our tradition; simply marking my divorce in the Cook County courthouse was not going to suffice.