Displaying 1 - 10 of 120
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry – Even in a Pandemic
Aligned with the rhythm of our earth turning on its axis, our season of returning (
Stories We Tell: The Spoonful of Oil
There was a young man who wanted to learn the secret of happiness. He sought out the advice of a wise man, who was too busy to talk with him at that moment but gave him a task: walk around and carry a spoon with two drops of oil and be careful to not let them spill. Listen to find out how this seemingly strange assignment taught the boy an important lesson.
Audio file
Jewish Ways of Marking Time
This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Emor, contains a section that is read in the synagogue not only as we make our way through Leviticus, but on each of the three pilgrimage festivals:
You Shall Have Joy
This week, we read a special portion from the book of Exodus for the holiday of Sukkot that explains, "You shall observe… the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year."
Rushing to Joy
During the final moments of Yom Kippur, as the sun begins to set and everyone in the sanctuary glances hesitantly at their watches for the conclusion of the N'ilah service, I look forward to reading one of my favorite passages from Mishkan HaNefesh, our Yom Kippur machzor.
Why Do We Light Two Candles at the Beginning of Shabbat?
The traditional practice is to light two candles on Shabbat.
On Shabbat, why is the challah covered with a decorative cloth?
There are two popular explanations for this custom.
Why is the Sabbath considered a day of rest?
The requirement that we rest on Shabbat is explained by the Torah according to two broad themes.
How can I observe Sukkot if I do not have a sukkah?
It is a mitzvah to build a sukkah and to celebrate in a sukkah.
What, if anything, can be done with the etrog after Sukkot?
The etrog is the citron fruit used as a component in the arba minim, the four species.