8 Principles that Drive Strong Congregations
All congregational leaders are looking for the magic formula to success, the one that will ensure that their members are happy, engaged, and Jewishly fulfilled, and that their budgets are balanced.
A Brief History of the Kol Nidrei Prayer
For most North American Jews, the haunting melody of Kol Nidrei surely is the piece of liturgy that best represents Yom Kippur, prompting us to delve deep into our souls.
The Taste of Salt: A Poem for the Days of Awe
Read a new poem Stacey Robinson created for this High Holiday season.
Remembering Rabbi Rachel Cowan, z"l
Rabbi Rachel Cowan, who died last week, was a spiritual master, a practitioner and teacher of contemplative Judaism, and my friend. I cannot imagine contemporary Jewish life without her.
RAP- PENTANCE: A Hip-Hop "Praylist" for Rosh HaShanah
I began dreaming about an alternative High Holiday experience – a musical journey that would tap into ancient liturgical themes and refract them through the lens of hip-hop. Kind of like Rosh HaShanah: The Remix.
For Israel: An Accounting of Our Souls
During the Days of Awe, we engage in a full accounting of our souls and our actions. Perhaps this process should be applied to our relationship with Israel as well.
"Show Far": A Prayer for the Sounding of This Year's Shofar
After decades of celebrating Rosh HaShanah, I learned something new this year: The holiday is riddled with Hebrew puns, particularly those involving goodies like beets and dates.
Why We No Longer Support SB-10 – And What Comes Next for Criminal Justice Reform in California
Governor Brown recently signed into law SB-10, the Money Bail Reform Act. Reform Jewish clergy, lay leaders and students with the California Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC-CA) were early and outspoken advocates for SB-10.
Why I Won't Be Fasting on Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year, but for those of us who struggle with eating disorders or disordered eating, it can be one of the most challenging.