Another Brick in the Wall
W.C. Fields said, "Never work with animals or children, [they steal the spotlight]." Though no one ever accused him of being a Torah scholar, his insight was certainly applicable to this week's Torah portion. Parashat Noach, the second portion in the Book of Genesis (and my bar mitzvah portion) is perhaps the most universally known and, at least by children, most adored portion in the entire Torah. This is in part, no doubt, because it has not one animal, but all animals — and they come in pairs! Later, God teaches us to value one another in the incident of the Tower of Babel.
What My Arabic Lessons Are Teaching Me About Coexistence
This new year, I’m studying Arabic to be able to converse with Palestinians in Israel and the West Bank, augmenting my lifelong caring relationship with Israel.
Things Matter: On Giving Wildfire Victims Space to Grieve
Our things are important and precious to us. They are physical manifestations of our memories. They are our attachment to people and places. They are infinitely meaningful.
Strengthening Our Commitment to International Religious Freedom
We are lucky to live in country that was founded on the cornerstones of freedom of speech, expression, and religion. We see the signs of religious freedom every day as we walk down the street and pass a church, a mosque, and a synagogue all on one block.
'You Shall Be Holy': The Supreme Court and LGBTQ Equality
On October 8, the day before Yom Kippur, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for three cases that will have lasting impact on the rights of LGBTQ people in the United States.
It's Time to Bring Young Immigrants into the Light
We must gather together. We cannot turn aside our attention. We need to stand up and shine our collective light. Politically, we have a six-month timeline that starts now.
How (and Why) I Let Go of Christmas
My husband, along with millions and billions of other people, doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but I never thought my children wouldn’t celebrate it.
“Hatikvah:” One of the Greatest Anthems Ever Written
Learn about “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem, which has several surprises connected to its words and music.
What Do Children of Intermarried Parents Portend for the Jewish Future?
For the first time in history, we knew in advance that the winner of the 2016 presidential election would have a Jewish son-in-law – Marc Mezvinsky or Jared Kushner.
Talking with America's First Ordained Female Rabbi
Read thoughts and reflections of Rabbi Sally J. Priesand, the Reform Jewish Movement's first ordained female rabbi.