Displaying 11 - 20 of 20
Why We Need Good Sermons Now More Than Ever
For more than 50 years, High Holiday sermons were consequential both for the rabbi and the congregation. Why has the Reform preaching tradition waned?
5 Truths about Forgiveness
We can hold on to our injuries, or we can begin the work of forgiving – not for the sake of the other, but for our own sake.
How to Focus on "Heart Health" this Holiday Season
The waning of summer's warm days signals the arrival of the Hebrew month of Elul. It's a time to contemplate the approaching Days of Awe and how best to prepare for them.
What Can We Learn From the Juxtaposition of Joy and Sorrow?
Several times during the year, the Jewish calendar places joyous and challenging holidays near each other. What lessons we take from this juxtaposition?
5 Ways to Practice Radical Self-Care During the High Holidays
T’shuvah (repentance/repair) is a vital aspect of the High Holidays, so it’s important to embrace these holidays from a strong foundation rooted in self-care.
Bone Button Borscht
A tired beggar reaches a small town on a cold, wintery night, seeking food and a warm bed. When the poor locals are reluctant to assist, he promises to make a delicious soup from six bone buttons.
Chocolate Outs Jews on Yom Kippur
Crypto-Jews living in Mexico in the 17th century, under the surveillance of the Inquisition, developed sticky subterfuges to avoid being outed for their undercover Jewish practices, including those that related to chocolate drinking.
What Do the High Holidays and AA Meetings Have in Common?
We spend a lot of time coordinating High Holiday worship, but when we strip away the particulars, our experience strongly resembles an AA meeting.
Pipitada (Melon-Seed Drink)
This delicious, refreshing melon-seed drink has a subtle almond taste, perfumed with orange blossom water. Drink it to help rehydrate after the Yom Kippur fast.
Meditation Before Yom Kippur for One Who Cannot Fast
Jewish tradition recognizes that fasting is not a safe practice for all Jews. For this reason, children under the age of 13 and individuals who are pregnant or ill are not required to fast in Yom Kippur. For those who fall into this category, the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services provides a special meditation to recite instead, written by Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub.