Opening the Door, at Passover and Always
There is a moment during the N'ilah service on Yom Kippur that stays with me, always. I want to say that it haunts me, but that's really not the right image. It's more a flooding, a rushing-out-and-rushing-in-at-the-exact-same-moment kind of thing.
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.)
Torah Is Not History
How to Bring Balance and Order to Purim’s Chaos
Purim is a holiday of excesses and extremes. For someone who thrives on control, order, quiet reflection, and decorum, it can be troubling and uncomfortable.
I Want Hamantaschen to Be Like When I Was a Kid
When I was growing up on Long Island, hamantaschen had a golden yeast dough and filling that oozed from the seams. What ever happened to those delicious treats?
Jewish Women Say Celebrating Purim in the #MeToo Era is Different
Themes relating to gender are especially relevant this Purim, as sexual harassment and assault allegations against high-profile men continue to emerge.
How We Can Channel Purim’s Giving Spirit all Year Long
At the end of M’gillat Esther, the Jewish people celebrate their survival with merrymaking, feasting, and sending gifts to one another and to the poor.
How Purim Can Fill an Emotional Need for Connection
I love the idea that one of the things we try to do on Purim is increase connection and friendship – and sending gift baskets is the perfect way to do that!
What Does It Mean To Be Holy?
In the democratic society of Israel, we with struggle the concept of what it means to be am chofshi b'artzeinu, "a free people in our land." We ask, "What does the responsibility of freedom require from us?" Every year, it seems the answers are less obvious and the search to find them be