Buddhism Meets Judaism: The Art of Meditation
I’ve been interested in meditation since college. The attraction began with a notion that I could achieve “inner peace,” though I’ve since come to realize the key is to focus on increasing awareness of my experience in the present moment – with whatever thoughts and feelings may arise.
From Darkness to Enlightenment: Learning to Believe in God
It was hours before I would step on the bimah and conduct the Erev Rosh HaShanah service. As the nation was reeling from the cataclysmic events of 9/11, I lay upon the examination table of the cancer ward. Was it just weeks earlier that life was normal?
What Kosher Eating Can Teach Us About Healthy Eating
Many people mistakenly believe that keeping kosher is linked to healthy eating. Clearly, these people have never experienced highly processed, fat-filled delights like kosher chicken nuggets or Bamba.
“Get the HPV Vaccine,” Says Jewish Ethics
“I am outraged,” cried Jewish Ethics after reports that some religious figures in the United States suggest girls should not receive the HPV vaccine.
A Path of Wellness: Jewish Mindfulness Meditation
My introduction to Jewish Mindfulness Meditation took place at a five-day retreat sponsored by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
Galilee Diary: Summertime
Once again this year, on the Saturday night before Yom Kippur, we went off of daylight saving time (referred to here as “summer time”), over a month before the rest of the world.
Weaving Strands of Challah History
Shabbat has always had a meaningful place in my memory. When I was five, my mother began her long association with our synagogue choir.
Is It In Our Genes?
I caught her before her head hit the ground. It was close, though. She was about to get her blood drawn at a college screening for Jewish genetic diseases.