Jewish Values

Young brunette woman holding lips and a tiny hat on sticks up to her face as if in a photo booth
Purim

When You Make People Laugh, You Make People Listen

Lynn Harris
Today, comedy is a national vernacular, a social and cultural force. We communicate in memes. We look to late night to process the news. Good (and even dumb) comedy challenges and connects, activates and affirms.
purim and giving donations
Social Justice

Purim and Giving: What is Our Obligation?

Lisa Paquette
All of the fun and merriment of the holiday aside, the true obligations of Purim are not fulfilled if we do not help the needy. With all of the partying associated with the holiday, it is easy to focus on our wants and forget about others’ needs.
Professional close up portrait of the author and his wife in the 1970s
Israel

A Jerusalem Love Story

Aron Hirt-Manheimer
It has been almost 50 years since I met my wife Judy in Jerusalem. She came into my life like the Sabbath queen about to enter the synagogue, with everyone rising and turning toward the door to welcome her in.