Take Action to Protect the Americans with Disabilities Act!
Legislation that creates waiting periods for people with disabilities to exert their rights is unacceptable.
Behind the Scenes at “Semi[te] Sweet: On Jews and Chocolate – The Exhibition”
An exhibit in a Manhattan synagogue invites visitors on a first-ever visual journey into the mysteries, opportunities, and resilience of the Jewish chocolate story.
A Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World
When the world is changing quickly, unpredictably, in new and confusing ways, it seems to be human nature for us to look for ways to try and slow down that change or control it. Or, failing that, we look for someone to blame.
Some in our great nation, in this "VUCA" world, are falling back on the oldest scapegoat in the world, in a desperate move to try to slow the rate of confusing change. They want us to blame 200,000 El Salvadorians who fled earthquakes and gang violence 16 years ago. They want us to blame the 800,000 "DREAMers"-- young people who were brought to this country as children by their parents. They want us to blame the 11 million undocumented residents of this nation who live in the shadows, all while working hard, raising American children, contributing greatly to our nation and, oh, by the way, committing crimes at a much lower rate than native-born American citizens.
How to Bring Balance and Order to Purim’s Chaos
Purim is a holiday of excesses and extremes. For someone who thrives on control, order, quiet reflection, and decorum, it can be troubling and uncomfortable.
Takeaways from an Inspiring Jewish Disability Advocacy Day
At this year's Jewish Disability Advocacy Day (JDAD), more than 200 disability rights advocates and Jewish leaders came to Capitol Hill to push legislators to support crucial health care and education services for people with disabilities.
The Value of Experimenting: Why We Invited a Golden Retriever to Shabbat
Like the pied piper, Betsy the dog led us cheerfully into the sanctuary, and as her owner walked up onto the bimah with her, the younger kids automatically followed.
Takeaways from an Inspiring Jewish Disability Advocacy Day 2018
I am so grateful for the experience I had at JDAD 2018, and I am inspired by the unique approach the Jewish community takes to advocacy on these complex issues.
The Torah of Flu
It is a mitzvah to keep our bodies safe. It is a mitzvah to protect the bodies of others.
Why Women’s Groups are Good for Synagogues
Teaching a recent cooking class in my congregation reminded me that even in the 21st century, there’s something unique, warm, and special about a synagogue women’s group.
You Shall Not Oppress a Stranger
This week, I reflected deeply on these verses and this portion’s emphasis on establishing a just society. I participated in a rally at Congressman Leonard Lance’s Westfield office to support the passage of the Dream Act.. DREAMers are people who were brought to the United States as children and until the Delayed Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA was established 6 years ago, they were not able to work, go to college or get driver’s licenses. This policy helped them pursue their dreams and contribute to our society. As we know, DACA is set to expire on March 5. This means that these DREAMers may be deported.