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.
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?
The Stone-Thrower, The Israel-Denier and Me
I sense the existence of one Am Yisrael – one Jewish people – on Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day).
The Torah In Haiku: Emor
Chapter 23 of Leviticus begins ... "And G-d spoke to Moses, saying, "Speak to the people of Israel, and say to them, the feasts of Adonai, which you shall proclaim to be holy gatherings, these are my feasts." The 44 verses of this chapter outline the schedule, and some of the rituals, for Shabbat, Passover, Shavuot, Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
Lag BaOmer: A Time of Celebration and Reflection
Reform Movement Applauds Jerusalem District Court’s Ruling Regarding Women of the Wall
Last week, the Jerusalem District Court determined that the recent detention of Women of the Wall members for their activities at the Western Wall was unjustified. The decision was met with applause from Reform Leaders
Reform Movement Applauds Jerusalem District Court's Ruling Regarding Women of the Wall
Mixed Cities in Israel
Teen Leaders Elected for North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) Board for 2013-2014 Term
April 18, 2013, New York -- The North American Federation of Temple Youth has elected new North American Board members for the 2013-2014 term, who will be formally installed on Jun
Who Should Teach About Hanukkah and What Should They Be Teaching?
Now that my daughter is in preschool, I've come to realize that hearing about cultural and religious practices directly from the practitioners only emphasizes our otherness.