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.
Italian Wedding Soup with Israeli Couscous
This is one of my favorite soups to make, especially when it starts to get cold; it tastes like a giant cozy bowl of comfort. It’s also a one-pot meal, my version having little turkey meatballs, Israeli couscous, and lots of veggies.
Kindling the Lights of Peace: A Meditation for Shabbat Candle-Lighting
Easy Chicken Kreplach
Using store-bought wonton wrappers and leftover chicken, you can enjoy the heartwarming comfort of kreplach in less than 30 minutes.
Baking Challah is How I "Do Jewish" in a Tangible Way
Tu BiShvat: Touchstones in Time
I love Tu BiShvat’s low-key preparation: no sermons, no sukkah, and no kitchen turned upside down. Quick trips for food and wine, and I’m all set.