Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day within the period of counting the Omer — the seven weeks between Passover and Shavuot — is this Saturday night through Sunday night. Its origins as a holiday are not entirely clear, though it has been linked to two of the...
In this week’s double portion Acharei Mot/Kedoshim, we are reminded of the events of chapters earlier when Nadab and Abihu offer alien fire and are consumed (Leviticus 10:1-7). “The Eternal One spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron...
I recently reread a wonderful tale, echoed through many cultures, that was once told by the great Hassidic rabbi and storyteller Reb Simcha Bunim. There was once a young man named Isaac who lived in Kracow, Poland. One night, with no warning, he had...
When Blu Greenberg and her husband were sitting shiva for their son JJ, who was killed riding a bicycle in Israel at the age of 36, people came to be with them in their hour of sorrow. “Most people came with no forethought, agenda or explanation,”...
By Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg
• Published April 6, 2017
In this week’s parashah, Tzav, we learn that the priest is to “dress in linen raiment, with linen breeches next to his body” when he takes up the ashes from the burn offering. We then learn that he should take off his vestments and put on other...
By Rebecca Rosenthal, Kveller via JTA
• Published April 6, 2017
If your Passover seder is anything like mine, it can resemble the world’s most difficult classroom: different ages, ranging from 3 to 93, and varying levels of interest. Some want to read and discuss every word in the Haggadah, some just want to get...
The writer, second from right, and her family at Game 4 of the World Series, Oct. 29, 2016. (Courtesy of Molly Tolsky)NEW YORK (JTA) — Since leaving my beloved Chicago for New York nearly seven years ago, there have been a few consistent reasons for...
What’s the best way to lead a Passover seder? (Lior Zaltzman)LOS ANGELES (JTA) — What kind of leadership style works best for a seder? During a period when we are experiencing a shake-up in national leadership, you may want to re-examine the relationship...
(JTA) — From the wizardry of Harry Potter that echoes with Passover’s themes to a cartoon frog who wisecracks his way through the seder, this year’s new crop of Passover books for kids offers something for all ages and interests.The selection of...
Social justice-themed Haggadahs can help make the Passover story more relevant to today’s world. (Top left, clockwise: Joe Raedle/Getty Images; Charles McQuillan/Getty Images; Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images; Mark Renders/Getty Images)NEW YORK (JTA) —...
By Rabbi Josef Davidson
• Published March 30, 2017
As one enters many synagogues throughout the country, even throughout the world, one notices that they have something in common. Plaques are on everything! I remember that after my grandmother died, my father and his family endowed the religious school...
By Rabbi Andrea Goldstein
• Published March 15, 2017
This week’s Torah portion, Ki Tisa, includes the infamous tale of golden calf. While Moses is atop Mount Sinai, the Israelites make for themselves an idol to worship, one that they can see and touch, one made by the work of their own hands.This triggers...
