Guests for Seder
A Sacred Journey: The Biographical Theology of Passover
In the weeks leading up to Passover, I think about the imperative embedded in the Hagaddah: B'chol dor vador chiav adam lirot et atzmo k'ilu hu yatza mi-mitzrayim, "In each and every generation, a person is obligated to see oneself as if he or she exited from Egypt." I share a personal s
Evolutionary Tradition (#BlogExodus, Day 10)
In his speech today to students in Israel, President Obama told the crowd that he started holding seders at the White House because he wanted his children to know the story and the message of the haggadah.
A Real Passover Miracle in Calcutta
While studying abroad in India for the second semester of my junior year, I have had a number of interesting experiences ranging from challenging to incredible.
Marriage Equality and Passover: "From Degradation to Praise"
This Passover, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) will hear two cases that have enormous impact on equality and liberty in our country. On the first two days of Pesach, oral arguments in California's Prop 8 case and the Defense of Marriage Act case will be heard.
Let My People Go... Forth to the Wedding Chapel!
As a rabbi and president-elect of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, I come here to be with you this morning at the Supreme Court on the very first day of Passover to say: Our nation is ready for marriage equality. This is one of the holiest days of the Jewish calendar. It marks the day in Jewish tradition when we mark the Exodus from slavery in ancient Egypt; it marks the beginning of a journey to freedom. Today is our day to march toward that freedom, the freedom to marry. I represent more than 2,500 Reform rabbis. We support marriage equality and have filed Friends of the Court briefs in both today's Prop 8 case and tomorrow's DOMA case. Do not let others tell you that all religions oppose LGBT equality rights. We Reform Jews welcome, support, include, and, yes, advocate full rights and equality, including the right to marry the ones we love.
S’firat HaOmer: The Omer Period in Jewish Life
The mechanism to connect the Exodus with the giving of the Torah is a simple one-counting the days.
Mah Nishtanah: Why is My Passover Different from All Other Passovers?
Mah nishtanah? The familiar words echo through my mind, and yet, for me, they now ask a new question: Mah nishtanah, why is my Passover different from all other Passovers?
Passover Parodies Abound!
At every celebratory Jewish holiday, YouTube seems to burst forth with related parodies, songs, and sketches - and Passover is no exception. Here's are three great new Pesach vids making the rounds on the Internet.
Springs Means Sports and Nostalgia
Spring is the best time of year for the sports fan. I am a sports fan - but already this spring, I miss my baby brother.