Finding Faith in a Community: One Young Man's Remarkable Journey
Today marks the day our late son and brother, Jeffrey B. Plevan, would have turned 38 years old. Judaism was an enormous part of Jeff’s life, and he received a rich Jewish education despite having significant learning disabilities.
How One Congregation Responded to the California Fires with a Huge Shabbat Dinner
I was honored to have been asked to help people in need, and I love that our synagogue is always giving back to our community. This overflowing lovingkindness is the true meaning of being Jewish.
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Selma 50th Anniversary - Discussion Questions
New Orleans Jews Celebrate Mardi Gras with a Twist
At Touro Synagogue in New Orleans, the open tent imagery from the biblical narrative of Abraham strongly influences our approach to sacred community.
Questioning the Essence of the B’nai Mitzvah
by Kathy Schwartz At a recent breakfast with the chair of the senior rabbi search committee, Congregation Har HaShem’s B’nai Mitzvah Revolution Core Team had the opportunity to speak about what kind of rabbi we were seeking. Our requirements: the rabbi should be willing to embrace change; be willing to partner with us in continuing our exploration of imagining what b’nai mitzvah can be; and must understand that at Har HaShem, professionals and lay leaders do things together. BMR is our joint project.
The Moral Call to Pass the Healthy Families Act
Two Jewish Films You Shouldn't Miss: “Ida” and “Félix and Meira”
Two new award-winning foreign language films examine identity, faith, and family through the lens of improbable relationships that lead to fateful choices.
Making Synagogue a Place to Run To, Not From
The events of my son’s bar mitzvah day don't begin to tell the story of how Max arrived at that moment.
How My Menorah Became a Cherished Symbol of Life
We always lit two menorahs at Hanukkah: One used candles; the other was electric, with bright orange bulbs. That second one became a precious symbol of life and light.