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Mazal Tov to the Recipients of our Travel Justly grants!
On Wednesday, the Religious Action Center announced the eleven congregations and Reform Movement affiliates across the U.S. and Canada who won "Travel Justly" grants, which they will use to put into action a wide variety of sustainability and environmental initiatives. The projects include congregational gardening, donating eco-friendly light bulbs to a Mitzvah Corps volunteer site in Costa Rica and an initiative to create a ride-sharing program for synagogue events.
Shavuot Decorations: Flowers and Vines
There is a legend that teaches that the Israelites found Mount Sinai blooming and lush with greenery and flowers. As a result, many people decorate their homes with garlands and baskets of flowers for Shavuot. Try your hand at making some Shavuot decorations, as well as other activities.
It's Election Season: 7 Key Actions to Take Between Now and Nov. 3rd
Election Day is fast approaching, but our work is not done yet. There’s still time to make a difference and ensure every voice is heard and every vote is counted this election.
Why Seek Out Jewish Life in College?
You’ve made it out of high school. You’re on your own at college, a new and magical place. You’re surrounded by completely new people and the world is at your fingertips. What’s the first thing you should do?
Tradition Welcomes Change in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
By Ilene Weismehl
For as long as I can remember, it was a given that my brother and I would go to Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute, commonly known as OSRUI (pronounced Os-roo-ee), and even more commonly known as Oconomowoc (the camp's Wisconsin town name). Although none of the above-mentioned names hint at the Debbie Friedman prayers or Hebrew immersion programs or after-meal songs, I always had a notion of what the names might hold (courtesy of my parents' stories of their own time at Union Institute in the fifties) and I couldn't wait to claim it.
Forty years later, many of my camp memories have grown as faded as the photo below. But the memory of Shabbat at camp remains vivid! On Shabbat, all camp activities ended early so we had time to shower off the weekday grime of lake and sweat and craft projects. We donned our nice Shabbat clothes and shoes. Then, clean and shiny, and a bit shy for our newly-scrubbed appearance, the girls and boys would meet just outside the dining hall for Kabbalat Shabbat.
Crafting Jewish Tradition for Young Children: Bedtime Rituals
Transforming bedtime into Jewish time may provide children with an understanding that being Jewish is a way of life and a constant source of comfort.
Finding My Life Role Models at NFTY
When I was growing up, I never met any rabbis other than my congregation’s rabbi. Dr. Renov (we never called him ‘rabbi’) was a scholar. Our congregation, Temple Judea, was small and he served there part-time. Dr. Renov also taught college and perhaps the academic arena was his first love. While he was a nice man, Dr. Renov did not exactly have a way with children or teens. He was formal and reserved. Our confirmation class was made up of three boys. On Sunday mornings, we would meet with Dr. Renov in his small overheated office. I don’t remember what we studied in his class, but I do remember the musty smell of the room, the hiss of the radiator, and struggling to stay awake.