Rabbi Emily Langowitz

Rabbi Emily Langowitz (she/her) is the Jewish Engagement and Learning Manager at the Union for Reform Judaism. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her wife, Meaghan, and their dog, Frank.

Hanukkah

Why Do Jews Eat Fried Foods to Celebrate Hanukkah?

Rabbi Emily Langowitz

One of the most recognizable and tastiest Hanukkah traditions is cooking (and eating) fried foods. While frying up a fresh batch of Hanukkah treats is certainly delicious, this practice is also deeply rooted in the meaning of the holiday.

an image of two parents swinginga child by the arms; imageis a little blurry

Parenting

Talking to Children About Jewish Identity in an Interfaith Family

Rabbi Julie Zupan

Rabbi Emily Langowitz

September 1, 2023

For children in interfaith families, clarifying the role of religion in the family dynamic is important.

Jewish Learning

Take a Tour of the Torah!

Rabbi Emily Langowitz

Torah usually refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible - Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Running through these stories is the unique lens through which the Jewish people would come to view their world and their God.

A person smiling while reading from a textbook, while another person follows along.

Ten Minutes of Torah

The Blessings of Adult Education: Far More than Knowledge

Rabbi Emily Langowitz

August 9, 2022

Lifelong learning, however, can be easier said than done. For many, as they enter adulthood, with its competing demands and obligations, setting aside time for learning – and especially for Jewish learning – can be challenging indeed.

B'har

Letting our Land Rest: Shmitah and the Release of Expectations

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Emily Langowitz

May 10, 2022

In this week's Torah portion, B'har, we learn God's command that the Israelites must, every seven years, engage in a practice called shmitah. And every seven sets of seven, an ultimate shmitah, called the yovel, or Jubilee, year.