Why I'm Wishing My Fellow Jews a "Happy Yom Kippur"
Given that Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, it makes sense that it can, and should, be joyful.
What Do We Really Mean When We Apologize?
Although we learn to say “I’m sorry” as young children, as we age, these words take on more meaning, perhaps reflecting true regret about our behavior or its impact.
How Can We Find Hope and Faith in the Face of Death?
Rabbi Stephen Karol's new book is based on his many years of helping congregants in mourning, which shaped and sharpened his perceptions of death and Jewish mourning tradition.
Kol Nidrei: A Poem
I heard Kol Nidrei on a violin tonight.
They should take all legal documents
and set them to music.
All vows –
This legal document
written in unholy language
a prenuptial agreement
for our inevitable failing.
This relationship with
What Does Fasting on Yom Kippur Mean to You? 7 Jews Share Their Perspectives
From those who always fast to those who have considered not doing so – or who have taken a year or two off for health reasons – here are a few personal perspectives about fasting on the holiest day of the Jewish year.
Battling Perfection at the Start of the Jewish Year
The High Holidays remind us of our natural state of human imperfection. Let's remember, though, we are striving to be better, not perfect, in this New Year,
The 5 (or So) Habits of Successful Seder Leaders
What kind of leadership style works best for a seder? During a period when we are experiencing a shake-up in national leadership, you may want to re-examine the relationship that exists between leader and participants at the Passover meal.
Passover Recipes: Lighten Up with Fish and Veggies
I love serving light foods that are naturally kosher for Passover. With so much matzah, vegetable and fish dishes are often a welcome addition in my home.In this holiday menu, my coconut carrot soup is a creamy soup at its finest.
Our Non-Traditional, Interfaith Seder: A Little Creativity and a Lot of Love
When Passover arrived last year, I was nowhere near ready. I felt terrible, in part because Jewish guilt is a powerful, permeating thing, and in part because this was my first time holding a seder in my home. It was all on me, and I’d failed, right off the bat.
10 Modern-Day Plagues: Are You Afflicted?
As Passover approaches, this author retells a part of the Exodus story with ten new, soul-crushing punishments brought down from heaven to chastise today’s taskmasters.