The Holy Privilege of Resting on Shabbat
"On six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to the Lord; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death." Exodus 35: 2
Living a Jewish Life with Autism Spectrum Disorder
My family loves winter. Just about every weekend between New Year’s and the end of February, you will find us practicing with the Montgomery County Maryland Special Olympics downhill ski team. My husband, Michael, is the head coach and my 23-year-old daughter, Sarah, is an athlete.
On Purim, Answering to a Higher Grogger
When in a popular Purim song we sing “Hava narishah-rash, rash, rash,” “Wind your noisemakers,” all that "rashing" does momentarily make the darkness go away. But in what direction do we turn as we step into the light?
Engaging with the Tribe When You Don't Live Anywhere Near It
To be a Jew is to be part of a community, affectionately referred to as a “Member of the Tribe,” the People Israel. Indeed, much of Jewish life requires more than the individual: traditionally, a minyan, a group of 10 learned Jews, is considered essential to many parts of Jewish worship.
Postcards for Alec: On Shabbat, Asperger's, and Making New Friends
This post is part of #JDAMblogs, a series of blog posts throughout the Jewish community during the month of February in honor of Jewish Disability Awareness M
Purim, the Bible, and a Vengeful God
Cruelty and bloodshed abound in the Bible as, for example, the Pharaoh's ruthless treatment of his Israelite slaves and Moses' vengeful slaying of the Egyptian taskmaster in the Passover story.
The Sacred Act of Unplugging: For Our Kids, For Ourselves
My 6-year-old son recently staged a one-man play in our kitchen. It had a simple plot – a mom with her face buried in her phone, tapping away at the keys while a kid tries to get her attention. “Tap, tap, tap… Mom. Mom. Mom…. tap, tap, tap. Mom, Mom, Mom. Tap, tap, tap. MOM! MOM!
A Cardinal's Synagogue Address: God's Will is for Peace
At some point in his or her career, every member of the clergy is called on to defend the efficacy of organized religion as a force for good.