The Remarkable Growth of Reform Judaism in Spain
I have been going to Spain every year since 2008 in order to help Bet Shalom in Barcelona, a small nascent Reform congregation, with its programs and religious services.
Through Time and Space: A Visit to Historic Jewish Sites
Is 10 days enough time to fall in love with Israel? Absolutely. Is 10 days enough time to make a sincere and meaningful connection to the land and people? It turns out that it is.
The Importance of Reading Torah During Your College Years
We encouraged our daughter, Sydney Plovsky, who is a sophomore at Elon University, to read Torah during the High Holidays at her school; growing up, she had been a frequent Torah reader at Temple Emanu
With Soldiers by our Side
Our Kesher Birthright Israel trip was almost to the halfway point when we were joined by a group of Israeli soldiers who stayed with us. They were only with us for half of our trip – but in many ways, it was the most meaningful half.
Instant Replay vs. Real Life
A Major League Baseball committee proposed new rules last month for using instant replay to correct the mistakes of umpires – and I’ve been thinking about how much easier things would be if we could just apply those rules to everyday life.
Hey, Cantor! An Elul Q&A with Cantor Mary Rebecca Thomas
We asked clergy across North America which music, books, art, movies and more help them get into a reflective state of mind as they gear up for the High Holidays.
Sukkot and Chocolate: Delicious Ideas for Each Night of the Holiday
This year make room for chocolate in your Sukkot celebration.
Galilee Diary: Sharing the Burden
The officials shall…address the troops and say: "Is there anyone afraid and disheartened? Let him go back to his home, lest the courage of his comrades flag like his."
Akeidah: Abraham Failed God's Test, but God Loved Him Anyway
Each Rosh HaShanah, we read the horrid tale of the
Anat Hoffman is Haaretz's Person of the Year
Anat Hoffman, director of the Israel Religious Action Center and chair of Women of the Wall, was today named Haaretz.com's "Person of the Year." Haaretz reports that Anat, who was up against five others for the title, recieved m