My Chinese and Jewish Family Celebrates Three New Years
My father is fond of reminding my family of how lucky we are to be Chinese and Jewish. “Three New Year celebrations means three chances for a fresh start!
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?
State of the Unions: the Supreme Court Case that Could Permanently Change Unions
On Monday, February 26, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the case of Janus v.
How Two Torahs Found a New Home in Indonesia
Learn how Indonesia’s Jewish community – spread across six islands spanning nearly 3000 kilometers – recently tripled the number of Torahs available in the country.
Why Women’s Groups are Good for Synagogues
Teaching a recent cooking class in my congregation reminded me that even in the 21st century, there’s something unique, warm, and special about a synagogue women’s group.
I Want Hamantaschen to Be Like When I Was a Kid
When I was growing up on Long Island, hamantaschen had a golden yeast dough and filling that oozed from the seams. What ever happened to those delicious treats?
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.
A Hanukkah Tradition From My Christian Mother-in-Law
Sometimes we create our own traditions, sometimes we carry on a tradition we inherit, and sometimes a tradition can come from unexpected places.
The Value of Experimenting: Why We Invited a Golden Retriever to Shabbat
Like the pied piper, Betsy the dog led us cheerfully into the sanctuary, and as her owner walked up onto the bimah with her, the younger kids automatically followed.