Some (Jewish) Experience Preferred
When I graduated college, I really wasn't ready for what would come next.
Galilee Diary: The Neighbors
When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons judges over Israel. The name of his first-born son was Joel, and his second son’s name was Abijah; they sat as judges in Beersheba.
Halloween: It's All About the Candy!
It was not until I joined my synagogue’s religious education committee that I learned that many American Jews do not celebrate Halloween. From the time I could trick-or-treat, I knew the basics of Halloween: There were witches and goblins, I went trick-or-treating and got candy, and later in life, we collected money for UNICEF. As far as I was concerned, religion had nothing to do with Halloween.
The Ongoing Search for Elusive Happiness
Years ago, a member of my congregation remarked that whenever someone asked him what was the best period of his life – when he was the happiest – he responded that now is the best time of his life. How many of us, in all honesty, could say the same?
Neuroscience + Rabbinic Wisdom = Better Jewish Education
"Most educators spend very little time getting to know the primary organ of their life’s purpose: the brain." -Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa
Abracadabra! Creating Change for Israeli Women
How often have you said the words "abracadabra," expecting something to result from that phrase?
Galilee Diary: Not Like Us
Rabbi Joshua ben Perachiah says: Make for yourself a rabbi, and acquire for yourself a friend, and give every person the benefit of the doubt.
The URJ Biennial: Get Some “Jewish Life in Your Life”
If you’re a regular, a semi-regular, or even an occasional visitor at ReformJudaism.org, you know what a terrific resource the site is for “Jewish Life in Your Life,” as our tagline declares. If you’re looking for another way to add some Jewish life to your life, you’re in luck.
A Poem for Parashah Chayei Sarah
This original poem is based on Parashah Chayei Sarah, "The Life of Sarah." (Gen. 23:1−25:18).
Reflecting Back and Projecting Forward: A Look at the Music of Our Shabbat Services
Just as God's relationships with key characters in the Torah (e.g., Moses, our forefathers and foremothers) are unique, so are our relationships to Jewish music vastly different in the way we each respond, as sounds vibrate within us and echo through our souls.