Shabbat in Israel: An Island in Time
Shabbat is an island in time. It is a chance to pause, reflect, and differentiate between the holy and the mundane.
"At a Good Hour": Waiting on My First Grandchild
At a good hour. At the right time. B’sha’ah tovah. That is the traditional Jewish response to learning about a pregnancy. Generally, in the United States, we say “Congratulations," "mazel tov," or "wonderful,” but Judaism says, “At a good hour."
Honoring 50 Years of the Civil Rights Act
On Wednesday, July 2nd, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
A Playlist for the Omer: The Journey from Liberation to Revelation
We find ourselves in the midst of the Omer, when we count off the days, and weeks, in between Passover and Shavuot. Last week, we celebrated the 33rd day of the Omer: Lag BaOmer. The journey begins with our liberation from Egypt. It concludes with the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
Shabbat, Teen-Style
I sometimes think that my teenagers have a more demanding schedule than I do. They are in the classroom for eight hours every day, and spend their afternoons filled with multiple extracurricular activities, homework, and managing the numerous pressures and challenges of being a teenager.
Lag BaOmer Is a Time to Connect with Our Ancestors
May 26th will mark the Jewish festival of Lag BaOmer which – like, Shavuot and Hanukkah – is not mentioned in the Torah.
Taking Israel's "Sandwich Police" to Task
Israelis are used to being asked to open up their bags and backpacks for inspection almost wherever they go. When entering supermarkets, malls, bus stations. You name it.