Sukkot: Festival of Voting Booths
How My Congregation Acts as a Family for Older Members without Relatives
Our synagogue runs a group for temple members aged 48 and up who are anticipating – or already experiencing – the challenges of growing older without family to rely upon for practical and emotional support.
Sukkot, Diversity, and Unity: How Each of Us is Like the Four Species
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?
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry – Even in a Pandemic
Aligned with the rhythm of our earth turning on its axis, our season of returning (
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: Baking Hamantaschen
What’s Different about High Holidays Challah?
Celebrating Purim with Shalom Sesame: Costumes
Inspired 5781: More Art, More Awe
I grew up going to services. A lot of services. I was adept at counting the ceiling tiles, reaching into the thousands as my grasp of numbers grew more sophisticated. The melodies became part of my life soundtrack; I hummed them as my mind wandered during the rabbi’s sermon.