613 Mitzvot, 613 Seeds: A Look at the Pomegranate’s History, Symbolism, and Uses
Why is the pomegranate such a prominent symbol of Rosh HaShanah and what are some other ways to use it?
Jewish Rituals and Symbols
Crossing Over
I’m feeling very peaceful today. I went to the mikvah this morning. I was a little nervous, just because official rites of passage can be a little scary. But I knew everyone was going to be super nice and supportive (and they were!).
Thinking Outside the (Tzedek) Boxes
A camel carrying a load. A golden pair of balanced scales. An open heart and an open mind. These are three of more than two dozen artists' visions of justice and righteousness featured in the invitational exhibition, "Tzedek Boxes: Justice Shall You Pursue."
New Year, Same Me: Finding the Diamond Within
As Jews, we have the opportunity to celebrate the New Year not once, but several times. The Jewish year has four different New Year celebrations: Rosh HaShanah, Passover, Tu BiShvat, and Elul. Many Jews also celebrate the Gregorian New Year in January. That means we get five opportunities every year to do an accounting of our soul (cheshbon hanefesh) and make resolutions for growth and betterment.
When a Song Transmits a Priority
On Yom Rishon shel Pesach (first day of Passover), we read "And you shall explain to your child on that day, 'It is because of what Adonai did for me when I went free from Egypt.'" (Ex 13:8). How can we best explain to our children this enduring lesson of Passover?