Related Blog Posts on High Holidays, Israel, and Jewish Life Around the World

people hugging
Israel Peace and Security

Staying Connected with Our Loved Ones Even When we Disagree 

Rabbi Toby H. Manewith
Rachel Margolis, RJE
Hamas’ brutal attack on Israel on October 7th and Israel’s ongoing response has stirred emotions both within and outside the Jewish community. Over the next weeks, as family and friends gather for holiday celebrations, there may be differences of opinion. Here are a few tips from Jewish sources to help maintain loving relationships while disagreeing.
Closeup of a dictionary page defining AntiSemitism with the word highlighted in yellow
Israel

How to Respond to Antisemitic or Anti-Israel Posts Online

Rabbi Josh Weinberg
We have seen a number of deeply troubling posts on social media that are antisemitic, anti-Israel, and/or contain misinformation or disinformation. Many people have reached out asking how to respond. While this is by no means a complete guide, we hope it will help you as you face this.
an image of a prayer book opened, two shofars and a tallit on a white wooden surface
High Holidays

Judgment Days

Kerry Leaf
Some label Rosh HaShanah and the period between the New Year and Yom Kippur as "Judgment Days," a time during which the trajectory of our lives for the coming year is reached.
an image of a toddler boy and girl playing while other kids watch in the background
Yom Kippur

Simple Ways to Make Yom Kippur Meaningful at Home with Young Children

Jen Schiffer
As the high holidays approach, we are reminded that there are so many meaningful Jewish moments to celebrate. Within the joy and ruach (spirit) of holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, lies the solemn and serious Yom Kippur. There are a myriad of ways to make Yom Kippur meaningful for young children, for whom especially, Yom Kippur is not an easy holiday to understand.
an image of a glode with a bandaid over the United States
High Holidays

Repent, Repair, Renew

Lana Weinstein
Perhaps the act of gluing is a metaphor for tikkun olam, the act of repairing the world, which is central to our beliefs as Reform Jews. There are so many issues to ponder.
an image of a sun setting over a body of water
High Holidays

Dawn: An Elul Poem

Lee McPhillips Radlo
As we prepare for the High Holy Days, we engage in cheshbon hanefesh, an accounting of the soul. During the month of Elul, we look inward and reflect. This poem speaks to the possibilities of healing ourselves and our world.