Growing Up is Hard to Do
My fiancée and I recently joined a congregation about a block from our home. We went to the new member Shabbat, were called by the rabbi, welcomed by members and Abby (my future bride) was called this morning to read an aliyah on Rosh HaShanah.
Thoughts From My First Selichot Service
I came to the 11 pm Selichot Service at Beth Emeth in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday night at the suggestion of Rabbi Grumbacher during Torah study. I came frankly, out of curiosity and to see if I could stay awake at that
The Immigration Stigma's Got to Go
Emily Schwartz is an intern at the Religious Action Center and a senior at The George Washington University.
A Summer of Firsts, a Summer of Shehecheyanu Moments
I’m continually amazed by the way Jewish ritual has a way of lifting up everyday moments and making them holy here at Jewish summer camp.
My Big, Gay, Jewish Family
Take your false concerns for the children of LGBTQ parents elsewhere; we're doing just fine, thank you.
Why I Marched on Capitol Hill to Protect Access to Health Care
I was listening to a political podcast while running along the beach in Tel Aviv a few weeks ago. The hosts were imploring listeners to do everything possible to save health care.
Children are Children, Even Within the Criminal Justice System
When I was six years old, I celebrated the beginning of my Jewish education with a consecration ceremony. Standing nervously with my class, I recited the sh'ma in front of my family and, eagerly taking my chocolate bar, officially entered the Jewish community.
5 Ways Game of Thrones is Like the Bible
Ever since its sixth season ended a little over a year ago, viewers have been sitting at the edge of our couches, remotes in hand, poised to tune into the next season of the astoundingly popular Game of Thrones.
Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants is Back in the Legislative Sphere
On July 20, 2017, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the DREAM Act of 2017, a bill that would provide certain immigrants who were brought to the United States as children with a pathway to legalized status and eventual citizenship.