Streaming into the New Year
Shanah Tovah to the Guards and Soldiers
Tonight we celebrate Rosh HaShanah, one of my favorite Jewish holidays - though each is my favorite in its own way.
Torah Study: Tips for Leading a Weekly Family Discussion
Unetaneh Tokef in the Time of a Pandemic
The Bee's Knees Honey Jar
How to Get into the High Holidays State of Mind
What is Selichot?
Un’taneh Tokef: The Awesome Sanctity of This Day
In the traditional liturgy, the special character of each holiday is particularly conveyed by the piyyutim (hymns, liturgical poems) that are recited or chanted on that day. Most of these piyyutim have been omitted in Reform liturgies since the nineteenth century, out of a sense that their Hebrew diction is too arcane and their theology too medieval. Yet, some of these poems have routinely been retained in Reform High Holy Day prayer books, particularly for Yom Kippur.
The Torah In Haiku: Nitzavim / Vayeilech
Moses warns the people that future generations will suffer punishment "because they have forsaken the covenant" (Deuteronomy 29:24). But he assures them that "you shall call [the blessing and the curse] to mind ... and shall return to Adonai your God." (Deuteronomy 30:1-2)