What Does it Really Mean To Be “The Chosen People”?
On the first day of Shavuot, we read in Exodus 19 that God declares to the Israelites assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai:
Lag BaOmer Is a Time to Connect with Our Ancestors
May 26th will mark the Jewish festival of Lag BaOmer which – like, Shavuot and Hanukkah – is not mentioned in the Torah.
What My Parents' Deaths Taught Me About Family
My mom died on January 24 at the age of 94. Eight weeks, later my dad died. He was 95. They had just celebrated their 73rd anniversary.
My brother the doctor said the cause of my dad’s death was a “medical mystery.” I claim that he died because he willed himself to do so.
If You’re Reading This, You Are Probably Among the Jews’ Saving Remnant
Shavuot is an ideal time to contemplate the brit (covenant) that God made with the Israelites, and its impact on the Jewish experience to this day.
Developing our Own Holiness Code
When I discovered that this week’s parashah (Torah portion) would be Acharei Mot/K'doshim, which includes the Holiness Code, the irony was not lost on me.
Anat Hoffman: "World's 5th Most Influential Jew"
The list is in and, according to the Jerusalem Post, our own Anat Hoffman is the 5th most influential Jew in the world.
Living the Scout Oath
Rabbi Eric B. Stark reflects on the meaning of the Boy Scout Oath and how his moral convictions led him to stand with the LGBT community.
Science, Sanctity, and Spirituality
One of the most difficult concepts in ancient Judaism we modern Jews encounter is holiness. We do all right with a concept of holiness that includes a commandment to love our neighbor, but not so well with a holiness that commands us to avoid certain foods, for example, or even certain fabr
Galilee Diary: Jerusalem Day
Pray for the well-being of Jerusalem; may those who love you be at peace. May there be well-being within your ramparts, peace in your citadels.
–Psalm 122:6-7