Chanukah, Purim, Pesakh – all our stories end happy. But do they, really? Let’s take a look at what happens after “they lived happily ever after.” Let’s look at the real stories of Jewish holidays and find out why we tell only half the story. We tell the story of chanukah, the retaking of the […]
Why do we tell only half the story? Read More »
Happy chanukah (conventional), happy khanukah (my preferred), a freylikhn khanike (Yiddishist) from the Seid-Gates garage door. Let’s all figure out how we can bring more light to the world, tonight and every night. Here are some ideas for your candle-lighting dedications this year: 1st night – this candle is dedicated to the one life we
The situation in Israel and Gaza torments decent people of every ethnicity. The murderous rampage of Hamas terrorists creates rage and despair among Jews everywhere, not just in Israel. Is there no place Jews can ever be safe? The relentless coldhearted siege of Gaza resulting in the needless deaths of civilians is heartbreaking. The Gazan
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Keeping despair at bay. I’m distraught and feeling on the verge of hopelessness about Israel’s democracy. Israel is approaching 75, a time when you’d think a democracy would have had time to mature and become entrenched. But Israel’s democracy, like those of so many other countries, is under attack. Israel is on the verge of
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How to Make Latkes Read More »
Well, it has happened again just last week. In fact, in happens every single time. After one of our Secular Brit Mitzvah ceremonies, someone comes up to me and says “This is the most meaningful Bar or Bat Mitzvah I’ve ever been to.” I often hear stories about ceremonies that consisted of memorized Hebrews and
As the news of Omicron spreads, even alone in my house, I can hear the head-banging and the groans from all over the world. Not again! I thought we were done with this! I can’t do this any more! It has to stop! No no no no nonononooooooo! Well, it’s yes yes yes. It is
August 2, 1492. The date by which all Jews in Spain had to leave the country. OK, maybe it was July 31 – the historical record is not exactly clear, and our calendar-keeping has changed since then. Either way, it was close enough to Tisha B’Av for the event to be associated with the date.
The Summer Holiday Nobody Notices Read More »
From the father of our Secular movement: “The most beautiful of the Jewish days is Shabes, the holiday with social significance. For the first time, the idea of the right to rest was proclaimed for the slave and for the worker-a right which is much more important than the world-renowned “right to work” with which
The Most Beautiful Day Read More »
