What's New
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An Open Letter to Those Who are Struggling with an Eating Disorder at Yom Kippur...
September 24, 2020
At Yom Kippur, we wish one another "a safe and easy fast," but for those of us with eating disorders, it will be neither safe nor easy. It will be dangerous, but more so detrimental.
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On Running Away, Returning, and Teaching the Story of Jonah
September 24, 2020
We hear the story of Jonah on Yom Kippur, as an example of the power of repentance and redemption. But my favorite thing about this story is how perfectly messy it is to heed God's call.
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Meet the Netlix Star Who Plays an African-British-Jewish Astronaut
September 21, 2020
Ato Essandoh isn’t Jewish, or British, or an astronaut — but he plays an African-British-Jewish
The Jewish Summer Camp Experience
Jewish Camp
Jewish summer camps fuse the activities, friendships, and communal life of traditional camps with the Jewish values, role models and culture our shared heritage. This uniquely immersive experience provides a confidence-building opportunity in which campers experience joy and discovery in a communal Jewish setting.
Arts, Culture & Travel
Museums to Visit in Jerusalem
With sites like the Western Wall and the Old City, it can often feel like Jerusalem itself is a museum campus. While you're busy exploring the beautiful and historic sites the city has to offer, don't forget to check out the fantastic museums that reside there as well.
Judaism Under Quarantine
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What It's Like to Live on an Israeli Kibbutz in a Global Pandemic
As a family mediator and the parent of four children, I have found comfort and logic in the kibbutz response to this crisis – a laser focus on the responsibility to its members.
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Gevurot (Mighty Deeds) in a Time of Pandemic
This prayer was written as part of a collaborative, interfaith project for the International Day of Prayer, organized by the United Church of Christ. Read prayers from other participating clergy.
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What's Real about a Virtual Shabbat Service?
Frankly, I was skeptical about attending services online – but it was the occasion of the yahrzeit (anniversary of death) for my wife’s brother, and this was our only option for respecting her wish to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish with our Jewish community.
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Jewish Insight for Consoling and Congratulating the Class of 2020
For our students, the loss of their end-of-year plans and graduation festivities is indeed a very real loss – and we should recognize it as one. I’m reminded of a powerful anecdote in Martin Buber’s Tales of the Hasidim.
College Life
Jewish Work, Volunteer, and Travel Opportunities for College Students
There are dozens of opportunities in the Reform Movement for college students to live, learn, work, volunteer, and experience Jewish community-building throughout the world.
Family Activities
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Challah Covers
Let your kids go wild! They'll be so proud to see their challah cover on their Shabbat table - and these make for an excellent grandparent gift.
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Beeswax Candles for Shabbat and Havdalah
Try this beeswax candle activity with your family.
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3 Ways to Bring Shabbat Home
Shabbat is the Jewish holiday that comes each week. Its roots lie in the biblical story of creation when, in order to complete the work of creating the world, God rested on the seventh day
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Teach Your Children the Mitzvot of Shabbat
With your children, generate ideas and family activities that will fulfill these four mitzvot. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Food & Recipes
Discover food and both traditional and new recipes integral to Jewish culture.
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Book Reviews
Soviet Judgment at Nuremberg
The four power International Military Tribunal (IMT) took place in Nuremberg, Germany between November 1945 and October 1946. Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union joined the United States in bringing 24 Nazi leaders to justice after the end of World War II. Three U.S. accounts – Judgment at Nuremberg (1961), Nuremberg (2000), and The Nuremberg Trials (2006) – present the IMT as a triumph of the American justice system. But Soviet participation in the
Cakes and Miracles: A Purim Tale
Even though Hershel can no longer see, he remembers what things looked like before he lost his sight - and creates beautiful shapes from his mother’s hamentashen dough. His cookies earn him a compliment and a possible future job from the town baker.