Seeing Through the Darkness: Inside Charlottesville’s Synagogue One Week Later
May we continue to be inspired by Congregation Beth Israel to turn darkness into light, to turn fear into resolve, to turn xenophobia into acceptance, and to turn hatred into hope.
From Darkness to Enlightenment: Learning to Believe in God
It was hours before I would step on the bimah and conduct the Erev Rosh HaShanah service. As the nation was reeling from the cataclysmic events of 9/11, I lay upon the examination table of the cancer ward. Was it just weeks earlier that life was normal?
Hanukkah: Customs and Rituals
Ha’azinu for Tweens
Explore this week’s Torah portion with “Family Shabbat Table Talk” lessons, perfect for families with tweens.
In Charlottesville, the Local Jewish Community Presses On
After the nation moves on, we will be left to pick up the pieces. Fortunately, this is a very strong and capable Jewish community, blessed to be led by incredible rabbis.
M'tzora for Tweens
Teach the your tween about M'tzora in this family-friendly discussion guide!
Seven Shiva Lessons from My Mom
My mother passed away on Rosh Chodesh Iyar – May 1, 2014. It’s fair to say she was a legend in the Reform Jewish community.
A "Both/And" Outlook in an "Either/Or" World
Few words unnerve a student preparing to become a bar or bat mitzvah more than, "Your Torah portion is about leprosy." Queasiness about Parashat Tazria is practically as old as our Jewish tradition, but we would remind ourselves that Ben Bag Bag also said with regard to Scripture, "Turn
Haazinu: Don’t Forget to Remember
We will gather on Yom Kippur to recite Yizkor, our prayer of memory for our loved ones who have died. The Jewish value of "memory" pervades our lives, our sacred story, and this time in our Jewish calendar year.
Tazria/M'tzora for Tots
What can parents and teachers of young children learn from this portion of the Torah? Let's examine the concept of sequencing and how it relates to the importance of order and predictability in a young child's life.