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."
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!
Rosh HaShanah Blessings: On Apples and Honey to Celebrate the New Year
Pick up a slice of apple, dip it in honey, and say:
The Music of Avinu Malkeinu
In the game “Truth-or-Dare,” I choose “truth” nearly every time. I’m not much of a dare-taker. Thus, if you and I were playing “Special Edition Truth-or-Dare: High Holy Days,” I would confess that the prayer Avinu Malkeinu provides me with both my second-favorite liturgical moment and my second-greatest pet peeve of the year’s liturgy. (Note: Even though I may have to repent for it, I will leave you in suspense about my favorite liturgical moment and my greatest liturgical pet peeve. Also, “Special Edition Truth-or-Dare: High Holy Days” is fictional, although I hereby declare copyright in the event Mattel or Hasbro comes knocking at my door.)
Rethinking the Holy Days
I’ve come to the conclusion we need to change the date of Simchat Torah. Our Jewish festivals must be re-envisioned as inspirational community gatherings of joyful spiritual Jewish celebration. Every single festival needs to be a time of great community involvement and meaning.
A Reform Jew-by-Choice Begins His Journey to the Rabbinate
I began my journey to Judaism nervously. Unlike the Charedim (ultra-Orthodox) who are anxious before the word of God, I was anxious in the uncertainty of the future.