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 »
If you don’t do what I say, then I’m going to hurt someone you don’t care about! Does that sound like a good way to force someone to do what you want? No? But that’s what happens in the story of Pesakh (Passover). Ancient Egypt was ruled by an absolute monarch who owned all land
Let’s Talk About Plagues Read More »
We Are Who Believe We Are Read More »
Are you struggling? Overwhelmed? You’re not alone. It’s been a weird, demanding, and terribly sad six months. Some of us feel completely helpless, others full of rage, still others too depressed to keep caring. Actually, a lot of us feel all of those emotions, serially or even all at once. It is ok to feel
Struggling? Overwhelmed? Read More »
It’s the Jewish month of Elul, the only Jewish month with no holidays after the first day. The only month you’re not scurrying around cooking for the holiday, cleaning for the holiday, inviting friends and family, making sure you have whatever holiday supplies you need for your household’s traditions. The only month you have time
New Year for Animals Read More »
Each year on Purim, we Jews read the story of Esther. When the villain Haman’s name is read, we shout, hiss and boo to drown it out. We write his name on the soles of our shoes and stomp them on the ground until the name disappears. We say, “May his name be erased.” And
Haman and Confederate Monuments Read More »
No Experience is Wasted Read More »
