Eight Ways to Make Every Night of Hanukkah Shine
No One Should Live in a Sukkah Year-Round
As we celebrate Sukkot—when we contemplate fragility, shelter, and resilience—let us remember the people of Haiti, who have endured unimaginable destruction from Hurricane Matthew.
Hanukkah Reconsidered: A Split in the Jewish Soul
I grew up loving this holiday – until I learned the dark side and felt like a kid discovering that there’s no Santa Claus. It turns out Hanukkah is, in part, a tale of Jew vs. Jew.
V’zot HaBrachah
No matter how I might dream of trekking the beautiful, wide-open spaces of the Canadian wilderness-truth be told, I avoid tents, cold water, and bad weather whenever possible. I prefer to travel in the wilderness of Torah.
Sh'mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: History
Drive Thru Judaism: An Antidote to Quarantined Community
Bicerin: Italian Hot Chocolate
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.
Reclaiming the Public Square with Hanukkah Lights
According to Rashi, we light Hanukkah candles to “publicize the miracle.” What exactly is the miracle we’re publicizing – and what’s the best way for us to do so today?