Displaying 1 - 9 of 9
Tu BiShvat: Customs and Rituals
The Jewish mystics of the 17th century, the Kabbalists, created a special ritual—modeled after the Passover seder—to celebrate God's presence in nature. Today in modern Israel, Tu BiShvat has become a national holiday, a tree planting festivaTu BiShvat is not mentioned in the Torah. Scholars believe the holiday was originally an agricultural festival, corresponding to the beginning of spring in Israel. But a critical historical event helped Tu BiShvat evolve from a simple celebration of spring to a commemoration of our connection to the land of Israel. After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 C.E. and the exile that followed, many of the exiled Jews felt a need to bind themselves symbolically to their former homeland. Tu BiShvat served in part to fill that spiritual need. Jews used this time each year to eat a variety of fruits and nuts that could be obtained from Israel. The practice, a sort of physical association with the land, continued for many centuries.l for both Israelis and Jews throughout the world
Tu BiShvat: History
Although the celebration of Tu BiShvat has a long and varied history, the theme most commonly ascribed to the holiday today is the environment.
What Holocaust Survivors Can Teach Us About Overcoming Trauma
When Holocaust survivors tried to tell their stories, most people – even therapists – would not listen to or believe them. The consequences have been multigenerational.
7 Ideas for Observing Yom HaShoah from Home
Here are just a few of the many stories, prayers, and other resources to help you commemorate this solemn holiday.
Health and Hope: Lessons from My Parents, Who Survived the Holocaust
In this time of COVID-19, my mother will likely spend her upcoming 100th birthday sheltering at home with her caregiver. I asked her how this tsura (tragedy) is different from the time of Hitler.
A Poem for Yom HaShoah, Observed Amid a Global Heath Crisis
Today especially
i am grateful for a life to call mine
the bright sunshine
on a day we remember when millions died
Watch: On Yom HaShoah, Reform Jewish Teens Interview a Holocaust Survivor
To close out this year's observance of Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, Reform Jewish teen leaders spoke with Holocaust survivor Ralph Rehbock to hear his story and talk about finding hope in times of darkness.
From Tragedy to Celebration, We Honor the State of Israel
Just as each of us goes through a process of self-examination during the Days of Repentence in Tishrei, this week is an opportunity to do so on a collective and national level.
Schindler’s List: Separating Truth from Fiction
In 2017, the 25th anniversary re-release of Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List reignited both criticism and praise for the Oscar-winning film. A story in the Forward titled “What’s Wrong with ‘Schindler’s List?’ Kind of a Lot” revived the main complaint of the movie’s detractors.