No, Thank *You* For Your Service
It wasn't because of 9/11. It wasn't because I had a tradition of military service in my family. And while the pay and benefits are nice, it wasn't for those reasons, either. That wasn't why I joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves in 2003 and later switched to the Air National Guard. I joined for the same reason I became a rabbi: I have a desire to serve others and be part of something larger than myself.
Artists, Authors, Activists, and More: Four Inspiring Indigenous Jewish Women
In honor of Native American heritage month, I’m excited to share with you four women whose intersecting Jewish and Indigenous identities have influenced their work as authors, artists, actors, activists, lawyers, and musicians. These women come from a wide array of ages, cultures, and locations; their work speaks to the ways that Jewish values of justice, learning, and belonging overlap with Indigenous culture.
Five Warming Sephardi Dishes for Chilly Days
Soups, stews, and hot dishes are always called for as winter nears, and learning new, cozy recipes that connect to our heritage warms not only the tummy, but the soul as well.
Connecting With My Child and My Jewish Identity in the Midst of Trauma
As I watched my son play, my mind would drift to mothers in Israel whose toddlers were no longer able to do so. My heart broke for the parents and young children who were caught in the crossfire of the war for no reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
How the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting and Processing Grief Led Me to Heller High – and Changed My Life
I became bat mitzvah on October 27, 2018. It was both one of the best and worst days of my life. At the same time I was on the bima at my home congregation of Temple Emanuel in Greensboro, NC, a gunman at another community in Pittsburgh walked into the Tree of Life Synagogue and killed 11 Jewish people.
Crypto-Foods: A Warm Embrace and the Triumph of Survival
During the Spanish Inquisition, there were plenty of ways that one could be identified as a Jew. One way people would identify their neighbors as Jews was observing whether they would eat non-kosher food that was popular with the Christian population such as pork, sausage, or fish without scales.
How to Respond to Antisemitic or Anti-Israel Posts Online
We have seen a number of deeply troubling posts on social media that are antisemitic, anti-Israel, and/or contain misinformation or disinformation. Many people have reached out asking how to respond. While this is by no means a complete guide, we hope it will help you as you face this.
How to Talk to Your Children about Israel and Terrorism: A Toolbox
On October 7, 2023 / 23 Tishrei 5784, on Shabbat Sh'mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza. Here are seven tips that may help you navigate discussing these acts of terrorism and violence with your children.
The Holy Act of Caring for our Bodies: The Importance of Breast Cancer Testing Early and Often
October is breast cancer awareness month. Talk to family members about whether there is a history of cancer on either side. Schedule a BRCA test if you have not already been tested.
Judgment Days
Some label Rosh HaShanah and the period between the New Year and Yom Kippur as "Judgment Days," a time during which the trajectory of our lives for the coming year is reached.
