Women’s History Month: Celebrating Progress and Finding Inspiration for Action
The Mystery of Birth and Rebirth
This week's portion Tazria falls in sync with the fourth of our five pre-Purim through pre-Passover special Shabbatot, when we include special readings for Torah and haftarah.1 This week on Shabbat HaChodesh, the haftarah from Ezekiel prepares us for the important new month, the month when we celebrate our Exodus from Egypt.
10 Coconut Recipes with a Jewish Twist
A Letter from an Israeli Reform Rabbi Between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut
What Makes a Jew a Jew?
Throughout the millennia, one question that has continued to be debated within the Jewish community, among rabbinic sages and scholars, leaders and hoi paloi alike is: What constitutes a Jew?
A Tribute to Debbie Friedman, Who Helped Me Understand and Love Judaism
Editor's Note: This piece was originally published on January 13, 2011, immedately following the death of beloved Jewish musician Debbie Friedman, z"l. How did Debbie Friedman's music impact your life?
These 6 Israeli Tech Innovations are Improving Accessibility
What It Means To Be Prepared
In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Bo, the Israelites are given precise directions for how to prepare and eat the Passover sacrifice. The text describes what kind of animal to bring (a yearling lamb or baby goat without blemish) and who should eat it (each family, gathered together as a household). The Torah explains how the sacrifice should be prepared (roasted over an open fire, cooked or served with unleavened bread and bitter herbs). And it gives instructions for when the Israelites should eat the sacrifice (at night, leaving nothing behind until morning). The text not only describes how the Israelites should prepare the meat of the sacrifice, but also how they were to prepare themselves:
The Divine is No Ordinary Parent: Lessons from One God to One People
No other Torah portion is as well known or fires the imagination as much as Parashat Noach – but the story includes a number of problematic elements.
From Heartbreak to Action: Racial Inequality in California
I lay in bed one night late last summer, scrolling, as I often do, through my Facebook newsfeed on my phone.