Displaying 1 - 10 of 130
Stories We Tell: The Old Torah
How important is the history of your family? Maybe you have a family ledger or an old book that carries the events, wisdom, and dreams of those who have passed on. This week, author and puppeteer Marilyn Price tells a story about such a book in “The Old Torah” and shows just how priceless our families’ stories truly are.
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Stories We Tell: God's Miracle
After 40 years in the desert, the Israelites reached the Land of Canaan. When they got there, they saw wheat and trees and fruit—things they had never seen before after spending their lives in the desert. But one woman remembers her mother describing plants and how they grow, so how does she explain it to her daughter? Cantor Rosalie Will retells the story. For a written version of the story, see “Gods Miracles” by Rabbi Edward H. Garsek in Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Stories edited by Laney Katz Becker.
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Stories We Tell: The Sultan's Horns
The sultan hated getting haircuts because of his big secret: He had horns on top of his head! He was so afraid that people would find out that he threw every barber who cut his hair in prison. Finally, the only barber left in town was summoned to the sultan. Would he be thrown in prison like the barbers before him? Rabbi Mark Kaiserman retells the story. For a written version, see The Sultan’s Horns in “The Jewish Story Finder” by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
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Dedicate Each Hanukkah Candle to a Strong Biblical Woman
Inspired by Kwanzaa, a festival celebrated by many Black Americans in which each day of the holiday (from December 26 – January 1) is dedicated to a different core principle, my family and I dedicate each of the eight nights of Hanukkah to a different value exemplified by a biblical Jewish woman.
Latke Central: 8 Tips for Making the Best Potato Pancakes
Latkes (potato pancakes) are the quintessential culinary treat of Hanukkah. Why do Jews stuff themselves with these fried potato pancakes every winter season?
Braver Angels: What Will We Do to Hold America Together?
Endorsed by both the Union for Reform Judaism and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Braver Angels is trying to depolarize the country, one community at a time.
Déjà vu in the Old City: Finding Ourselves in the Journey
As our students take their steps in the Old City and then head out to Masada where Herod built his getaway and where zealous Jews built a hideaway, I am deeply moved by their reaction to it all.
Reflecting on COVID-19: A New Tool to Support Change in your Congregation
The URJ Covid-19 Reflection Tool is available now. It gives your leadership team an opportunity to go through a multi-step process on your own or, if you choose, with a URJ facilitator.
Nine Things to Love about Jewish Summer Camp
First as a camper and now as a counselor, I've learned so much from my time at Reform Jewish summer camp. Here are just a few of the things camp has taught me that make me love being here.
Urgent Call to Action: Stop WZC Ratification of the Right-Wing “Agreement on Principles”
If the World Zionist Congress ratifies this agreement, the WZO and Israeli National Institutions will no longer be the roundtable in which all Jewish Zionist viewpoints are recognized and respected. Please join us.