What Children Can Teach Us at Rosh HaShanah
A deep spiritual life is hard to find. While opportunities abound for spiritual connections (yoga, meditation, retreats and the like), for most of us it doesn’t come easy.
Dancing in the Palm of God’s Hand
I can't seem to find a starting place in writing my reflections of Rosh HaShanah. It has become a tangled ball of string, and I’m not able to coax out a single strand. I thought about starting at the end. I could, but I don't know what that is either.
Vodou Rock and Cherry Manischewitz: Reflections of a Jew Visiting Haiti
At the last count of the World Jewish Congress in 1997, there were 25 Jews living in Haiti. There is no native Jewish population to speak of in what is currently the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
A Trip to the Mikveh: Finally, Finally Jewish
The words have never been sweeter. After 14 years of waiting, searching, hoping and dreaming, I am finally, finally Jewish.
The Nudge of Selichot
After 10 weeks of swimming, biking, walking at the ocean's edge, and rationalizing that it's too hot for tennis, Saturday night Selichot services appear on my calendar as the call back from the freedom of su
What's In a Jewish Name?
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet." (William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet)
Winning the Freedom to Marry: Jewish Values, Jewish Voices
The vast majority of Jewish people support the freedom to marry, knowing that strengthening gay families helps many and harms no one. The freedom to marry is not about forcing any rabbi or synagogue – or, for that matter, any priest, minister, imam, mosque, or church – to perform a ceremony.
A Note of Farewell from Rabbi David Saperstein
Today I will leave my position as director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism to assume my responsibilities as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. It is a great honor.
Where I'm From: A Poem on Identity
I am from blintzes, from Crest toothpaste and kippot tucked into a dresser drawer.
I am from no eating in the bedrooms, singing all the time, comfy couches, a grandfather clock on the wall and challah French toast.
Finally Finding My Way to Judaism, the Faith That Beckoned
I was born into a Catholic family and given a Catholic education, but for as long as I can remember, Judaism has always fascinated me.