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Preparing for the Days of Awe
During the year I spent studying in Jerusalem as a rabbinic student, it was impossible to escape the upcoming High Holy Days.
Rosh HaShanah Resources for Parents – Intentional Modeling
Following the strategy of intentional modeling, in thinking about what you will do for your kids at Rosh HaShanah this year, first think about what you want to do for YOU! It’s a stretch, I know, but if it makes you feel better it is ultimately a great thing to do for your kids.
The Elul Mitzvah Challenge: Join In!
In Pirkei Avot, the rabbis wrote, “Mitzvah goreret mitzvah, averah goreret averah,” one mitzvah (commandment/good deed) leads to another mitzvah, and one transgression leads to another transgression.
The (Circle) Spiral of Jewish Life
We often think about the cycle of the year-the change of the air in the fall, or the blossoming of new life in the spring-and we see a circle.
Take Action to Support Transparency in the Criminal Justice System!
The Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013 (H.R. 1447) is crucial legislation that will provide much-needed transparency in the criminal justice system. The law would require and facilitate the collection of information regarding the deaths of prisoners in custody, alleviating the environment of suspicion, concern and mistrust that exists today in many racial and ethnic minority communities from coast to coast.
In December, 2013, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Death in Custody Reporting Act. The Senate must now introduce and pass a companion to H.R. 1447 before adjourning for the year so that the President can sign it into law.
Urge your Senators to introduce and pass this important legislation. Take action now!
Tashlich: Into the Deep
Tashlich was my chance to rectify my wrongs, so it had to be done right: I'd go to Ocean Beach and purge my sins in the Pacific. But before that, I read up on the ritual to make certain I did not err again.
Release to Right the World
In anticipation of the shmita year 5775 (1994), Reform Judaism magazine interviewed Rabbi Kevin M. Kleinman, then associate rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park, PA, and a member of the Jewish environmental organization Hazon’s Shmita Project Network.
Torn Paper Apples
Use different types of paper on this Rosh HaShanah apple to teach kids about textures
Wrestling With Abraham
Each Rosh HaShanah, the Akedah ("The Binding of Isaac"), Abraham's near sacrifice of his son Isaac at God's behest, highlights for us the impenetrable paradox of affirming a good, omnipotent God who causes bad things to happen to good people. How could God promise to make Abraham's descendants as numerous as the stars of the heavens, and then order Abraham to "Take your son…and go to the land of Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering…"? (Gen 22:2)
Celebrate Rosh HaShanah with Shalom Sesame: Sounding the Shofar
Watch this Shalom Sesame video with your children and try these fun activities to explore and learn more about the shofar, Rosh HaShanah and the High Holidays!