Yamim Noraim
"Days of Awe." An alternate name for the High Holidays, and the 10-day period beginning with Rosh HaShanah and concluding with Yom Kippur.
T’kiah g’dolah
Literally the “great” t’kiah, this is the longest, deepest call of the shofar heard as the final shofar blast on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur.
Selichot: Warm-Up to the High Holiday Season
Ushering in the High Holiday season, Selichot – which falls this year on Saturday night, September 24th – is the warm-up stretch that precedes the spiritual workout we give our souls during the Days of Awe.
Apple and Honey Jello Shots
For a fun Rosh HaShanah treat, try these jello shots with, vodka, honey-flavored whiskey, or without alcohol. You can make the cute apple wedges as described below, or simply in small plastic shot cups, garnished with a slice of apple and pomegranate seeds.
Shabbat Shelanu: Creating a Family Education Program for Today’s Families
Expanding our family education program wasn’t our original plan. However, we realized that we were only emphasizing family involvement in the lead up to B’nai Mitzvah, so we decided to seek long-term impact by expanding and aligning our program with the needs of our families.
9 Easy Seder Activities You Haven't Thought of Yet
Confronting Death is an Important Part of Life
If on Yom Kippur we rehearse our own death, then on Tishah B’Av (observed last month), we begin the annual process of preparing for death. The seven-week period from Tishah B’Av to Rosh HaShanah provides an opportunity to cultivate our souls, to reestablish our relationship with God, and to reconcile with ourselves and others. We transform the potentially passive experience of judgment into an active process of self-awareness, acceptance, engagement, and transformation.
How a Rare Jewish Ritual Added Meaning to Our Family
When our son was born, we put a modern spin on the rare tradition of pidyon haben, using the ceremony as one way to welcome him to the Jewish community.
Mom's Honey Cake with Apple Confit
Honey cake is traditionally eaten for Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year—the honey’s sweetness symbolizes our wishes for a sweet year. This is my mother's recipe, which she makes in Israel, freezes, and sends to me in the mail.
Disney and Elul: What Do They Have in Common?
I am a huge fan of everything Disney – movies, Mickey, and now even Marvel. Our family has vacationed at Walt Disney World (WDW) and Disneyland more times than we can count. Our daughter was married at WDW, and we have a room in our home devoted to Disney “stuff.” Believe it or not, some recent Disney movie releases have a distinct connection to the Days of Awe.