Hey, Cantor! An Elul Q&A with Cantor Joshua Breitzer
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. Here’s what Cantor Joshua Breitzer from Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, NY, had to say.
The Legacy of the Civil Rights Movement
Ruth Messinger reflects on the Jewish community's involvement in the March on Washington and Civil Rights Movement.
Treat the Stranger That There Be No Stranger
Rabbi David Saperstein reflects on "the art of welcoming" in advance of the High Holidays.
Hey, Cantor! An Elul Q&A with Cantor David Berger
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. Here’s what Cantor David Berger from Congregation Tikvat Jacob in Manhattan Beach, CA, had to say.
My Rosh HaShanah Sermon is Written, but What Will Happen Next?
I am sitting at my desk in my office, Maroon 5 playing on Pandora, anxiously perusing a variety of news websites: Jerusalem Post, CNN, Haaretz
We Are Dr. King's Cavalry
Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk reflects on the history of Jewish engagement in civil rights, and the shared values of the Jewish community and African-American community in the work of continuing to build civil rights in our society.
The Torah In Haiku: Nitzavim / Vayeilech
During the coming weeks our liturgy will remind us that for transgressions between us and G-d (concealed acts - the heart) our prayers can bring atonement and forgiveness. But for transgressions between people (overt acts - what is "revealed") the Days of Atonement will not bring forgiveness. One must seek forgiveness from the aggrieved person, who must grant forgiveness if the request is sincere.
Visiting Beit Shemesh, Where Religious Extremism Still Lives
Last month I visited Beit Shemesh, a city less than an hour’s drive from Jerusalem. We had read about some of the most noteworthy incidents there, such as when a young girl was spat on by an ultra-Orthodox extremist on her way to school.
How Living in Switzerland Taught Me About Anti-Jewish Bias
During the height of the recession, I moved to Switzerland. I had already lived in France, Japan, India and Israel, and traveled much of the rest of the world.
"Inside Llewyn Davis" and Judaism: What's the Connection?
"Folk song calls the native back to his roots and prepares him emotionally to dance, worship, work, fight, or make love in ways normal to his place." Alan Lomax, Folk Songs of North America