Jewish Rituals and Symbols

people silhouetted against multicolored fireworks

New Year, Same Me: Finding the Diamond Within

Sophie Gibly
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.
Yom Rishon shel Pesach

When a Song Transmits a Priority

D'Var Torah By: Cantor Jill Abramson
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?
tteokguk Korean soup with beef and sliced rice cakes

Honoring Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal)

Shayna Han
Last year, I spent Seollal, or Korean New Year, with my family in Busan. The symbolism, the spirituality, and the elaborate order of charye remind me of Jewish holidays and rituals.
Elements of a Tu BiShvat seder on a marble countertop including wine grapes nuts and pomegranates

How to Make Your First Tu BiShvat Seder Meaningful and Fun

Lauren Theodore
As I thought about what would be involved if we did our own Tu BiShvat seder, it seemed interesting and fun. Tasting lots of fruits? Marking a time to appreciate, mindfully and respectfully, trees and the earth? Drinking wines and grape juices? Yes, please.