5780: Our Annual Rosh HaShanah Sermon Roundup
Typically, at some point in my work on this project, my wife will lean over my shoulder and ask me, in her own style, “So. How are the Jews this year?” Some years that is a difficult question to answer. This year the answer is clear: The Jews are afraid.
5 Sukkot Activities You Can Do with What You Have at Home
Our Migrant First Family: Abraham Passed the Test, but Will We?
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, presented this sermon on Rosh HaShanah morning, saying, "We need to face something so odious that we will try to avert our eyes. But we must not."
Why I’m Not Hiding My Religion Any More
I tried to hide my religion during my entire childhood. When I look back, I wonder who I was kidding.
Is Halloween Right for Your Jewish Family?
Do Jews celebrate Halloween? Well, it depends on whom you ask. Reform Jews seem to be particularly divided on the subject of celebrating the spooky holiday.
What I Learned From Researching My Family Tree
My interest in Jewish genealogy goes back to 1992, but it was a librarian at my local public library who put me on the path to research my family history.
This Lemon Cake Recipe Exposed a Family Secret
After a Shabbat dinner in my home for three Germans, one of them shared a lemon cake recipe and the incredible story of how it uncovered a long-held family secret.
Building a Jewish Community... Three Hours Away from the Nearest Torah
Even so far away from my home, the words we prayed were familiar, and the melodies connected us all.
In the Face of Injustice, Even a Soft Voice is Better Than Silence
The worst sin of all is failing to speak up. When we say nothing, we are saying everything wrong. Worse yet, when we say nothing, we are saying everything wrong is right.
A Plea for Equality and Peace in Israel in a Children’s Sukkot Song
One iconic, modern Hebrew song about Sukkot is far more than a simple holiday song for children.