Jewish Rituals and Symbols

Yes, We Still Need an Orange on Our Seder Plate

Rabbi Phyllis Sommer

April 12, 2016

The orange will remain on my seder plate as a sign that we are always striving to help everyone to feel included, a sign that we are always looking out for those who might not feel that they belong, and a sign that we are full of juicy vitality: always growing, always changing, and always aware, keenly aware, that our history of bondage requires us to tell those stories.

Jewish Rituals and Symbols

What might I expect when making a shiva call? What should I bring?

Rabbi Daniel B. Syme

Shiva is a time when we reminisce, remember, recapture memories of a loved one. As such, what we usually do during a condolence call is to listen to those memories that the mourner wishes to share or to talk about other subjects initiated by the mourner that may have nothing to do with his or her loss.

Yom Kippur

Video: How to Blow the Shofar

Rabbi Leora Kaye

Rabbi Leora Kaye, Director of Program for the Union for Reform Judaism, explains the ritual of blowing the shofar.

Jewish Rituals and Symbols

Why do some people include an orange on the seder plate?

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

Many have incorporated new rituals as part of the Passover seder. Many seder plates include an orange, which is attributed to Susannah Heschel, professor of Jewish studies at Dartmouth College. Heschel included an orange in recognition of gay and lesbian Jews, and others who are marginalized in the Jewish community.

Jewish Rituals and Symbols

How can I celebrate Tu BiShvat at home?

Rabbi Victor S. Appell

Tu BiShvat is the “New Year of the Trees.”