Rethinking the Holy Days
I’ve come to the conclusion we need to change the date of Simchat Torah. Our Jewish festivals must be re-envisioned as inspirational community gatherings of joyful spiritual Jewish celebration. Every single festival needs to be a time of great community involvement and meaning.
Yizkor
"Remember;" memorial service held on Yom Kippur and on the last day of Pesach, Shavout, and Sukkot.
Why Are Services on the High Holy Days Different from the Rest of the Year?
When I started a new chapter in my life as a freshman at Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!), I met people left and right.
Acharei Mot for Tweens
Learn about the the portion that describes the ancient observance of Yom Kippur in this fun tween-friendly discussion guide.
Remembering Yom Kippurim Past
Last Yom Kippur afternoon, unable to concentrate because of the rumblings of my stomach – which I hoped only I could hear – my mind began to wander.
On Yom Kippur and Year-Round, Help Others to Choose Life
“…I have set before you life or death, blessing or curse; choose life, therefore, that you and your descendants may live.”
The Power of Tears
Why does the Torah mention the deaths of Nadab and Abihu here in Acharei Mot, when the story of their deaths was told in its entirety in Parashat Sh'mini? What is it that the Torah is trying to teach us through this repetition?
For The Sin of Prejudice: Growing Up Jewish as a Person of Color
Every year on the High Holidays, police officers sit outside our synagogue to protect our community and building from harm.
Yom Kippur for Tweens
Want to know more about the Torah? Find out about the biblical background of Yom Kippur with Torah for Tweens!
Feeding Your Soul and Memory
Last year, my rabbis asked me to give a speech on Yom Kippur afternoon about creating a day of ultimate tranquility on the "Sabbath of Sabbaths." I expressed my