Why do Jewish Holidays Begin at Night?
On the Jewish calendar, holidays begin in the evening, at sundown, and they continue through the next day.
I plan to attend Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services this year for the first time. Will I be expected to donate money during the service, like in a church service? If so, what’s the "right” amount?
Why I Love the "Awesome Days"
The “Days of Awe” is a good name for the High Holiday season because when we are in awe of something, that's a good thing, but I like “Awesome Days” so much better.
September 1, 1939: Another Day of Infamy
It is worth remembering another day of infamy – September 1, 1939 – the day that set in motion the destruction of six million Jews. That date is a grim reminder of a wondrous Jewish world that would soon be no more.
A New Jewish Initiative Will Stand Up for Immigrant and Refugee Justice
On the eve of Yom HaShoah, the Kraus Family Foundation and the Union for Reform Judaism announced a new initiative to galvanize people to action around the immigration and refugee crisis in the U.S.
Yom HaShoah: When Will Senseless Hatred Be a Thing of the Past?
On Yom HaShoah, I will attend a ceremony at Yad Vashem. While it would be good to hear Israeli leaders talk about anti-Semitism in the past tense, I doubt it will happen.
The Soap Myth: A Conversation with Playwright Jeff Cohen
The Soap Myth, a new play about Holocaust denial, stars Ed Asner and Tovah Feldshuh.
7 Ideas for Observing Yom HaShoah This Year
Here are just a few of the many stories, prayers, and other resources to help you commemorate this solemn holiday.
Why We Need Good Sermons Now More Than Ever
For more than 50 years, High Holiday sermons were consequential both for the rabbi and the congregation. Why has the Reform preaching tradition waned?
5 Truths about Forgiveness
We can hold on to our injuries, or we can begin the work of forgiving – not for the sake of the other, but for our own sake.