Rio Roots: On Being Jewish in Brazil
My grandparents came to Brazil from Europe in the 1920s, and my parents were born in Brazil. My mother's Brazilian roots were in the northern state of Maranhão, which had a very small Jewish community.
How My Son Helped Me Re-Imagine Shabbat
Shabbat is an ever-evolving practice. When things are easy, I have a regular Shabbat practice and rituals that I practice every week, providing a Shabbat that is full of rest. Before 2011, I had Shabbat figured out.
Shabbat on Halloween: Horror of Horrors or Wonder of Wonders?
With a borscht-curdling geshrei (shout), Halloween this year falls on Shabbat. On a Friday night, trick-or-treaters, even Jewish ones, will be knocking.
Should we open the door? Or should we be spooked about joining the celebration?
Five Jewish Things You Can Do to Celebrate Food Day
October 24th is Food Day, a nationwide celebration of the movement for sustainable, healthy, affordable food.
Tricks, Treats, and Tradition: Being an American Jew on Halloween
Picture this: The setting was a dining room on the East Coast on Friday, October 31st, sometime in the late 1990s. It was dinnertime, and the father of the family was seated at the head of the table while the mother scurried back-and-forth between the kitchen and the dining room.
Shabbat Evening Blessings: Kiddush - Blessing over Wine
Blessing over the wine and sanctification of the day for Shabbat.
Shabbat Evening Worship Services: Chatzi Kaddish
Worship Services: Sh'ma
Referred to as our "watchword of faith," it declares our belief in one God. This prayer serves as the centerpiece of morning and evening services.
Worship Services: V'ahavta
From Deuteronomy and Numbers, this prayer expresses how we will love God.
Shabbat Evening Worship Services: V'shamru and Yismechu
From Exodus 31:16-17, this prayer reminds us that we keep the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant with God.