Celebrating Love and Equality at My Jewish, Irish, Same-Sex Wedding
The inscription inside the kippot (head coverings) shared on my wedding day read, "September 2, 2016, Marriage of Michael and MacDara."
Senate Committee Passes DOMA Repeal
The Defense of Marriage Act bars federal recognition of same-sex
Discrimination Begets Poverty
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 20% of homeless youth are LGBT (even though only 10
Focus on Community: An Award-Winning Strategy for Two Congregations
In an increasingly mobile society, families often are separated by many miles. Far from family support, we seek community elsewhere, including in our Jewish institutions.
Eternal Life
It’s hard to think of an author who more skillfully blends secular and religious themes than Dara Horn. Since the 2002 publication of her first novel, In the Image, she has emerged as one of the most important Jewish literary voices of the 21st century. Her stories often intertwine narratives from multiple time periods and involve historical figures and notable events. Her first novel since 2013, Eternal Life, takes its? time jumping into the realm of immortality novels.
A Legacy of Kindness, Generosity, and Love
Ironically, this week's Torah portion, Chayei Sarah ("Sarah lived"), is not about Sarah's life but about her legacy. Beginning with mention of her death and of Abraham's great mourning for her, the parashah primarily focuses on the Bible's first story of betrothal, namely that of Isaac to his cousin Rebekah. The relationship between their engagement and subsequent marriage, and Sarah's legacy becomes clear as the parashah unfolds.
Ensuring the Success or Failure of Dreams
Reading Parashat Vayeishev and other dream-filled portions in Genesis, we wonder if it’s possible to influence a dream’s prophecy rather than passively waiting for the outcome to unfold. The upcoming holiday, Hanukkah, provides a clue.
Struggling With a Deceitful Heart
The inner turmoil that marked Jacob’s life of deceitfulness as well as his struggle with his father, brother, and sons are exposed in Vayishlach. After many years of separation, Jacob, about to meet his estranged brother, Esau, slept in a dream-like state of wakefulness on the shore of the Jabbok River where a man wrestled with him until the rise of dawn.
Economic Justice on the Ballot
With Election Day coming very soon, it’s important to keep in mind all the items on your ballot that you’ll be able to weigh in on. States ballot measures—sometimes known as referenda, propositions or amendments—are issues of importance that are left to voters to decide.
How Each Shabbat Is a Eulogy for My Late Father
Each Shabbat, my eyes tear up when I sing the Kiddush. My dad would smile to hear my husband's baritone and our daughter's alto carrying on his tradition.