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Purim and Giving: What is Our Obligation?
All of the fun and merriment of the holiday aside, the true obligations of Purim are not fulfilled if we do not help the needy. With all of the partying associated with the holiday, it is easy to focus on our wants and forget about others’ needs.
The Four Questions: A Racial Justice Conversation for Your Passover Seder
At seder tables, we ask four questions to remind ourselves of our purpose. This year, we ask you to add four more questions to connect our ancient rituals to the demands of this moment in the struggle for racial justice.
The Passover Seder’s Four Children and LGBTQ Inclusion: Moving Toward Full Hospitality
We read, “Let all who are hungry come and eat.” These words have taken on deep meaning for me as I came out of the closet, got married, and had kids of my own: Our freedom and redemption are founded on being inclusive and welcoming.
Every Day is Earth Day: Jewish Holidays and Environmental Justice
Since 1970, the United States has celebrated Earth Day every April. By contrast, ancient Jewish celebrations throughout the year remind us of our responsibility to safeguard the fragile planet God has entrusted to our care. Almost all of our Jewish observances reflect environmental concerns.
The Fascinating Evolution of the Purim-Spiel
The humble yet beloved Purim-spiel ("play" in Yiddish) is the only genuine folk theater that has survived a thousand years of European culture, and in our day has morphed and flourished. Let's take a quick look at this amazing story.
Celebrating Passover with Shalom Sesame: Seder Traditions
Together with your children, watch these Shalom Sesame videos to learn about the customs of the Passover seder. Then try some of the discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators to further extend the lessons learned in the videos.
Celebrating Passover with Shalom Sesame: The Story of the Exodus
The Passover story - the Jewish people's enslavement in Egypt and subsequent exodus - is re-enacted each year at the seder table. Part of what is so unique about this experience is that each family, and each person, is supposed to find relevance and personal connections to the Passover story.
Celebrating Passover with Shalom Sesame: Passover Around the World
Together with your children, watch these Shalom Sesame videos to learn about how Passover is celebrated in other cultures. Then try some of the discussion ideas and activities recommended by Reform Jewish educators to further extend the lessons learned in the videos.
7 Modern Additions to the Seder Plate
Passover offers a variety of opportunities to infuse our holiday celebrations with social justice themes, as evidenced by our Passover Social Justice Guide. There are also a number of modern additions to consider adding to your table.
10 Great Discussion Topics for Your Passover Seder
Somewhere during the course of your Passover seder this year, ask one of these questions and see how your fellow attendees respond.