Jewish Values

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

When You Make People Laugh, You Make People Listen

Lynn Harris

February 22, 2021

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.

Jewish Values

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.

Two young Ethiopian men at the heart of the new film Passengers

Israel

A New Film Focuses on the Plight of Ethiopian Jews Trying to Make Aliyah

Chaim Harrison

February 11, 2021

In the 1980s and '90s, Israel committed to helping Ethiopian Jews make aliyah and become Israeli citizens. To this day, though, a small group of Jews remain in Ethiopia and have been unable to immigrate.

Rabbi Jeff and Mindy Glickman stand together in face masks in front of their white RV

COVID-19

"Tour to the Wonderful": This Couple Drove Across America to Join Multiple Reform Synagogues

Chaim Harrison

February 10, 2021

During a time when many feel so disconnected, Rabbi Jeff Glickman and Mindy Glickman of Temple Beth Hillel in South Windsor, CT, decided to take on a radical idea: Join as many Reform synagogues in America as possible.

Professional close up portrait of the author and his wife in the 1970s

Israel

A Jerusalem Love Story

Aron Hirt-Manheimer

February 9, 2021

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.