This Jewish-American Life: Notes on the Fourth of July
Last Shabbat, I was excited to attend services at my home congregation with our participants in the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism's Machon Kaplan work/study program.
Putting Down Roots: Why Our Jewish Family Needs a Yard Full of Trees
We celebrated the holiday of Tu BiShvat – the “Jewish Arbor Day” – way back in February, and we won’t celebrate it again until January. But no matter: I need to talk about the trees now.
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.
Shabbat Evening Worship Services: Elohai N'tzor and Oseh Shalom
My God, guard my speech from evil and my lips from deception.
Shabbat Morning Worship Services: Chatzi Kaddish
Version of the Kaddish, praising God, that serves to delineate different sections of the service.
Shabbat Morning Worship Services: Elohai N'tzor
Silent prayer, based on Psalm 34:14 at the conclusion of the Amidah, the central section of the service.