A Tribute to Debbie Friedman, Who Helped Me Understand and Love Judaism
Editor's Note: This piece was originally published on January 13, 2011, immedately following the death of beloved Jewish musician Debbie Friedman, z"l. How did Debbie Friedman's music impact your life?
All Aboard the Peace Train!
Now I’ve been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come,
And I believe it could be, something good has begun.
How To Be The Perfect Weekend Guest
At my vacation home community, the conversation on the tennis court most Mondays centers on the same topic – weekend guests. Everyone has something to say about the guests who have left, those who are coming, and the ones still in residence.
Mourning the Passing of Senator Frank Lautenberg
Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center reflects on the legacy of Senator Lautenberg, a tireless advocate for justice and for the Reform Jewish community.
Autism, Teens and Torah - Just Another Shabbat
One recent Shabbat, on the anniversary of his bar mitzvah, a young man with autism chanted Torah at our erev Shabbat service. I've been thinking about it since, and was genuinely moved by the whole experience.
Lautenberg Personified the Jewish Story in America
It is, as they say, the “end of an era.” The last World War II veteran serving in Congress, Sen. Frank Lautenberg, has died.
In Her Own Words: A Confirmand's Synagogue Story
Throughout my years at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, MA, I have developed relationships with a variety of people in our temple community. When I was in fourth grade, I joined the temple youth choir and sang at every family service at the beginning of each month.
Ahava is Ahava (Love is Love)
Being a teenager is scary. Being a teenager in the process of discovering her sexuality is even scarier. Being Jewish, however, makes it all a little easier.
Galilee Diary: What Will Become of the Past?
Over 20 years ago, shortly after we arrived in the Galilee and I got involved in organizing encounters for visiting Jewish groups with the local Arab population, a friend told me about the newly opened Museum of Palestinian Heritage in the nearby Arab town of Sachnin.