Kol Nidre
"All Vows;" prayer recited on the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar;
Transportable and Rooted
As the famine persists, Jacob's sons realize that they must return to Egypt for additional provisions. Jacob is reluctant to send his sons back. He is fearful for their lives and uncertain about their safe return.
Increased LGBT Presence at National Political Conventions
Judaism puts a lot of stake in celebration.
When Soul and Sole Come Together
by Rabbi Elisa F. Koppel I’m not ashamed to admit it: I like shoes. I’m not quite obsessive about them, but I probably have more pairs of shoes than I need, and I’m always finding new ones – you know, the ones that would be perfect with that one outfit.
The Laws Behind the Laws
Ask your average Jew-on-the street (well educated or not) for the five most important or famous texts of the Torah, and she will certainly include the Ten Commandments.
A Patriarchy Is, After All, a Patriarchy
Parashat Lech L’cha contains the first of three wife-sister episodes in the Book of Genesis. These moments are disturbing. As the original patriarch and matriarch of the Jewish people, we want to see a strong and loving relationship between Abraham and Sarah.
Praying for Luck
There is a problem in our Torah portion. It's a theological quandary that I believe plagues us all at one time or another regardless of our real beliefs in God, and it's widespread. It has to do with luck, chance, coincidence, and magical uncertainty.
Parashat Mishpatim: You Say Yes, I Say No, We Both Understand
Learn more about the biblical commandments with Torah for Teens!
And Sara Laughed (and Laughed, and Laughed)
“A day without laughter is a day wasted,” Charlie Chaplin.1 “Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand,” Mark Twain. “Laughter and tears are both responses to frustration and exhaustion.
Facing the Fear
Fear can be a powerful motivator. It can cause us to behave in ways we might not otherwise. It can move us forward or keep us stuck where we are.