The Abstention and the Speech
The administration’s regretful and wrong-headed, although not unprecedented, decision to abstain rather than veto a deeply problematic Security Council resolution affected the way most American Jews and Israelis heard Kerry’s speech.
How to Make Moral Choices in Infamous Times
In 1941, Japanese aggression was not foremost on the minds of America’s Jews. The relative silence may have been influenced by numerous factors.
Why We Put the Hanukkah Menorah in Our Windows
After a visit to Israel during the festival several years ago, I began to view Hanukkah in a new light.
Passing the Torah in the Search for Meaning
This year, as summer folded into fall, we celebrated our son Josh becoming a bar mitzvah, including the “Torah pass” from generation to generation.
6 New Hanukkah Kids' Books to Help Enlighten the Holiday
From a new audio version of "Hanukkah Bear" — a holiday favorite by National Jewish Book Award winner Eric A. Kimmel — to a novel for young teens set during the Festival of Lights, there is a fresh crop of Hanukkah books that are sure to delight young readers of all stripes.
Top 8 Cutting Edge Concepts for Congregational Leaders from 2016
As 2016 comes to an end, we’ve rounded up the top eight concepts that will continue to be valuable to you in your work to inspire sacred action in your community.
How to Organize a Hanukkah Bazaar
A Hanukkah bazaar is a great fundraiser and gets your congregants thinking about their Hanukkah shopping and can give an early boost to your Judaica shop. It’s a wonderful opportunity to involve your temple family!
Commemorating World AIDS Day
In commemoration of World AIDS Day, I'm again struck by the final lines from American playwright Tony Kushner’s Angels in America.
Rabbi Pesner to President Obama: Protect DACA Participants and Applicants from Deportation
Today, Rabbi Jonah Pesner sent a letter to President Obama, urging him to take swift action to protect those who have applied or participated in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to not face deportation for simply seeking access.
Host a Gun Violence Prevention Shabbat
How do we work to prevent what has become an epidemic of gun violence? How do we honor those who have become the victims of this deadly trend? And how do we engage in this issue, specifically as Jews?