It’s Hard to be a Jew at Christmas, But Even Harder on Tu BiSh’vat
It is a truth universally acknowledged that it can be difficult to be Jewish at Christmas time. It has seeped into North American cultural consciousness so thoroughly that South Park even wrote a song about it, complete with trademark expletives.
The Sacred Act of Unplugging: For Our Kids, For Ourselves
My 6-year-old son recently staged a one-man play in our kitchen. It had a simple plot – a mom with her face buried in her phone, tapping away at the keys while a kid tries to get her attention. “Tap, tap, tap… Mom. Mom. Mom…. tap, tap, tap. Mom, Mom, Mom. Tap, tap, tap. MOM! MOM!
A Cardinal's Synagogue Address: God's Will is for Peace
At some point in his or her career, every member of the clergy is called on to defend the efficacy of organized religion as a force for good.
The Holiness of Separation
As a kid, Shabbat meant brisket. I loved that. Every once in a while, my mother would get inspired and feel the need to… cook? No, she always cooked in those days.
Shabbat and Holiday Blessings: Blessing over Children
Shabbat Blessings: HaMotzi - Blessing Over Bread Before a Meal
Say this blessing before eating bread (challah) at the beginning of a meal on Shabbat.
Shabbat Blessings: Psalm 126 - Shir Hamaalot
On Shabbat, holidays and at certain other festive meals, begin Birkat HaMazon (grace after meals) with "A Pilgrim's Song."
Shabbat Conclusion: Havdalah Blessings
The Havdalah service marks the separation between the end of Shabbat and the new week.
Daily Blessings: Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals) - Short Version
Learn how to sing the blessings for grace after meals.
Daily Blessings: Birkat HaMazon (Grace After Meals) - Long Version
Chaverim vachaveirot n'vareich!