The Rosh HaShanah Amidah
The basic Rosh HaShanah Amidah is an elaboration of that for the Festivals. Both have seven benedictions, as on Shabbat—the first three and last three of the daily Amidah, with the Kedushat hayom (“Sanctity of the Day”) benediction in the middle.1 On both Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, the Kedushat hayom benediction builds on the text for the Festivals:
A Ruckus on the Bimah on Rosh HaShanah
The early American synagogue occasionally reflected its frontier environment. Fist fights, defending the honor of women congregants, and even duels were not unheard of. Perhaps the best known of these riotous events involved a rabbi and the president of the synagogue in Albany, New York, in 1850. And not just any rabbi, but the future founder of the American Reform Movement, Isaac Mayer Wise! The president was Louis Spanier, wealthy, charismatic, and the brother-in-law of Samuel Mayer, the chief rabbi of Hanover in northern Germany.
6 Ways Your Congregation Can Be Even More Welcoming at Rosh HaShanah
Let’s treat every person who connects to our communities like both a family member coming home and an honored guest. Here are six ways to do just that.
A Visit to Prague Brings Rosh HaShanah Inspiration
On my way to England, I took a trip to Prague's Jewish community, which has existed through periods of tolerance and extreme anti-Semitism for 1,000+ years.
9 Jewish Activities to Try When You’re at Home with Kids
Spending more time than usual at home these days? We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Jewishly inspired crafts, recipes, activities, videos, and other ideas to keep you and your family occupied during days spent indoors – all while learning about and embracing Judaism together.
Creating New Rituals and Tradition for the School Year and the New Year
For children, traditions and rituals are significant; they provide predictability, support, and familiarity, while bringing families together and creating unity and a sense of belonging.
10 Terrific High Holiday Books for Kids
Stories are a great way to help children and young adults prepare for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Here are 10 High Holiday-themed books to share with the kids in your life.
The King Is in the Field: Lessons of Elul
Elul is our time to connect to Israel – for ourselves, for our people, and for our land.
Apples and a Different Kind of Honey
Every year, I set out apples and honey on our holiday table even though I don’t like traditional bee honey. This year, I have a solution.
When the Synagogue Doesn't Feel Like Home
I'm uncomfortable entering unfamiliar synagogues - solely because I am mixed race, and people assume that I am not Jewish.