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Birth of a Synagogue Movement: Reform Worship Through the Years
An interview with Rabbi Daniel Freelander on the history of Reform innovations in worship.
Becoming Whole Again
As Jews, we affirm the concept of marriage as holiness, kiddushin. However, we wisely do not preserve the legal family at all costs. Mosaic law does not subscribe to the view that "what therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." When the basic ingredients of love, communication, respect, and emotional support are missing, this holy union is terminable. Divorce may be a tragedy, but if the marriage is a mere formality -- an empty form devoid of spirituality -- preserving it is pointless.
The Mishnah
The Mishnah is studied both because it is part of the canon of Jewish literature and because it is the foundation of the Talmud.
Lag BaOmer: History
Lag BaOmer is a shorthand way of saying the 33rd day of the Omer. (The numerical value of the Hebrew letter lamed is 30, and the value of gimel is three; lamed and gimel together are pronounced “lahg.”) In addition to tracking the agricultural cycle, the Omer marks the seven-week period from Passover, which commemorates the Israelites’ Exodus from Egypt, to Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Counting of the Omer: Blessings for Each Day
The period between Passover and Shavuot is called the “Counting of the Omer” ( Sefirat Ha'omer).
How to Write a D'var Torah
A d’var Torah (a word of Torah) is a talk or essay based on the parashah (the weekly Torah portion). Especially at times of loneliness, distress, indecision or other personal difficulties, you may find it helpful to read and interpret the Torah portion with a particular focus on how the thoughts and actions of our foremothers and forefathers—intensely human characters—might help you deal with your own challenges.
Authors of Reform Voices of Torah
Reform Voices of Torah is the flagship weekly Torah commentary provided by ReformJudaism.org and the Union for Reform Judaism, delivered each Monday morning to more than 43,000 subscribers. Learn about the thought leaders who have contributed to these valuable commentaries.
Abraham and Sarah: Saga of the First Jewish Couple
The partnership between the first Jewish husband and wife was not perfect. Abraham misled Sarah about his plan to sacrifice Isaac on Mount Moriah. Learning of the Akeidah and the near death of her son, she died of shock.
A Torah for Cancer
Torah is as much a part of my treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer as are the drugs, the radiation, and the love and support of my family and friends.
Jewish Wedding Practices: Surprising Origins and Reform Innovations
Reform Judaism has changed some aspects of the wedding ceremony, in great part to reflect the equal status of women.