First, a clarification: I'm writing about the traditional reading of the Yom Kippur Torah portion. For reasons I thoroughly understand your congregation may substitute a more "relevant" reading, however, I do feel the traditional reading has much to teach...
By Sybil Kaplan, JTA
• Published September 21, 2011
JERUSALEM - Among the familiar customs of Rosh Hashanah is the dipping of apple pieces in honey - but what is its origin? King David had a "cake made in a pan and a sweet cake" (II Samuel 6: 15, 19) given to everyone. Hosea 3:1 identifies the "sweet cake"...
By Rabbi Roxanne J.S. Shapiro
• Published September 7, 2011
Several years ago, I had a sixth grade student who attended both the Milwaukee Jewish Day School and my congregation's religious school. She came to me with a complaint that she was learning the same things at each school. When I asked her to explain...
By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
• Published August 31, 2011
Trudy Sudin has been a congregant at Nusach Hari B'nai Zion for nearly three decades."I'm considered one of the newer members," she quipped.Sudin may be kidding but her joke about how deep historical roots run at this century-old shul had special meaning...
Around the world this week, the Torah portion read this week is entitled Shoftim (Judges). This portion seeks to set forth a system of justice and a culture of political and social responsibility. The Torah lays out guidelines for the appointment of social...
For some the answer is obvious, the Torah, of course. For others it's the Talmud or the Shulchan Aruch - the Code of Jewish Law composed in the 1500s. For still others it's their personal teacher or rabbi.But for some of us, and for some things, it's...
Nusach Hari Bnai Zion will hold a dedication celebration - Chanukat Habayit - at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. The community is invited to celebrate with NHBZ as it opens its new synagogue building, located at 650 N. Price Road.Currently located in University...
Charles de Gaulle is supposed to have have asked how he could govern a people with 246 cheeses. This is a notable milestone on a long history of leaders (even great and beloved ones) complaining about the people they are supposed to lead. One of the...
BY RABBI DALE SCHREIBER
• Published August 3, 2011
Beginning a new book of Torah is a bit like greeting an old friend. The Book of Deuteronomy always begins in the heat of the summer, at the end of a ritual three weeks of diminished joy, on the Sabbath just before Tisha B'Av. Interestingly, the rabbis...
By David Baugher, Special to the Jewish Light
• Published July 20, 2011
Every time Rabbi Hyim Shafner stops by the home next door, he gets the same feeling - part memory, part emotion. "I do remember sitting in that house with Rabbi [Abraham] Magence and talking to him," said Shafner, who took over as Bais Abraham Congregation's...
My Shabbat morning Torah study has become a highlight of my week at Temple Emanuel. We meet for study and discussion of the weekly Torah portion, but the fun of our learning lies in the loose, freewheeling nature of our discussions.This year, we have...
From rock n' roll to Torah scroll, I have been blessed many times over for living a younger life of rock music and an older life of learning about our heritage. Being raised on rock was great fun, as I have had a lot of good times meeting nationally renowned...
