Avinu Malkeinu and the New Reform Machzor (Mishkan HaNefesh)
Many years ago, during the Yom Kippur morning service, a certain rabbi was interrupted (albeit politely) by the oldest member of the synagogue. He asked if he could ascend the bimah and ask the rabbi a question. How could the rabbi say no?
The Music of Avinu Malkeinu
In the game “Truth-or-Dare,” I choose “truth” nearly every time. I’m not much of a dare-taker. Thus, if you and I were playing “Special Edition Truth-or-Dare: High Holy Days,” I would confess that the prayer Avinu Malkeinu provides me with both my second-favorite liturgical moment and my second-greatest pet peeve of the year’s liturgy. (Note: Even though I may have to repent for it, I will leave you in suspense about my favorite liturgical moment and my greatest liturgical pet peeve. Also, “Special Edition Truth-or-Dare: High Holy Days” is fictional, although I hereby declare copyright in the event Mattel or Hasbro comes knocking at my door.)
The Shofar Service: Malchiyot, Zichronot, Shofarot
The blowing of the shofar is surely one of the high points of the Rosh Hashanah morning service. But the “Shofar Service” as the discrete entity we know today is actually a creation of Reform liturgists. Located at the end of the Torah service, before the Torah is returned to the ark, and including the three sections of Malchiyot (biblical verses dealing with God’s Sovereignty), Zichronot (biblical verses dealing with God’s Attentiveness), andShofarot (biblical verses dealing with the sounding of the Shofar), this is a synthesis of two different pieces of traditional liturgy
The New Reform Machzor and the Shofar Service
The traditional High Holy Day prayer book, as opposed to the Reform versions produced in the last century and more, includes a service, musaf, that evokes the ancient sacrifices. Reform Judaism abandoned this service, due to its musty connotations of “barbarian” rites but a key element of this service on Rosh Hashanah, the sounding of the shofar was maintained. Sounding of the shofar was retained no doubt because the very essence of Rosh Hashanah is bound up in the peal of the shofar. Can you imagine Rosh Hashanah without it
Improving Holocaust Education and Combatting Anti-Semitism
Shortly after International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY-12) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), reintroduced the Never Again Education Act, an important piece of legislation designed to improve Holocaust education and combat anti-Semitism.
It's Time to Improve Holocaust Education and Better Combat Anti-Semitism
We are hopeful that the Never Again Education Act will be enacted in this congressional session.
Oscar-Nominated Short Film Remembers 1939's Massive Nazi Rally in NYC
The Oscar-nominated short film A Night at the Garden is a documentary short about a massive pro-Nazi rally that happened in Madison Square Garden 80 years ago this week.
NFTY Convention: Shaping the Future of the Reform Movement
NFTY Convention is known to shape the future of the Reform Movement, and it did just that. From introducing new Jewish music to mobilizing thousands for gun violence prevention; immersing in innovative learning and building practical skills for youth engagement – every minute was filled with glimpses of the bright Jewish future these young leaders will build.
My ADHD Doesn’t Define Me – but It Does Drive Me
Jewish wisdom says every human being is deserving of dignity and respect – and that certainly holds true whether or not they have a college degree.