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Rethinking the Holy Days

By

Rabbi Donald Kunstadt

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.

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.

Man looking into mirror at himself to represent self reflection during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur

Lessons in the Mirror

Late in the evening of September 28, 2009, following very introspective and rewarding Yom Kippur services at Congregation Ohabai Shalom in Nashville, I took a hot shower and then stood, wrapped in a towel, in front of the bathroom mirror. As I brushed my teeth, I reflected on my experience of this most prayerful of days, when Jews throughout the world come to grips with their mistakes and seek atonement.

Wrestling with Forgiveness

It is very hard to say you are sorry – and even harder to really mean it. It is not any easier to truly forgive.

cover of Kol Nidre prayerbook for the Jewish High Holidays

Sounds of Kol Nidrei

The melody that stirs the heart of Ashkenazic Jews is of unknown origin, but is part of a body of music known as "MiSinai melodies" that emerged in Germany between the 11th and 15th centuries.

Stack of newspapers with one prominently proclaiming a scandal

A Jewish Response to Political Scandal

By

Rabbi Sara Y. Sapadin

As we witness public figures dismantled by the revelation of ugly episodes from their pasts, we parents must distill these events and their aftermath for our children.

Worshippers doing a hora style dance around the sanctuary

Why I'm Wishing My Fellow Jews a "Happy Yom Kippur"

By

C.E. Harrison

Given that Yom Kippur is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, it makes sense that it can, and should, be joyful.

Boy holding paper sign in front of his face that says Sorry.

What Do We Really Mean When We Apologize?

By

Betsy Stone, Ph.D.

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.

Closeup of flowers blooming on a tree with a blurry view of headstones in the background as if at a cemetery

How Can We Find Hope and Faith in the Face of Death?

By

Deborah Rood Goldman

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.

Young child blowing a shofar against a black background

Kol Nidrei: A Poem

By

Rick Lupert

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