Growing Up is Hard to Do
My fiancée and I recently joined a congregation about a block from our home. We went to the new member Shabbat, were called by the rabbi, welcomed by members and Abby (my future bride) was called this morning to read an aliyah on Rosh HaShanah.
Thoughts From My First Selichot Service
I came to the 11 pm Selichot Service at Beth Emeth in Wilmington, Delaware on Saturday night at the suggestion of Rabbi Grumbacher during Torah study. I came frankly, out of curiosity and to see if I could stay awake at that
The Immigration Stigma's Got to Go
Emily Schwartz is an intern at the Religious Action Center and a senior at The George Washington University.
What Does It Really Mean to Be a "Jewish State"?
Our community’s strategic planning process, examining the implications of being a “traditional” community, has broader implications for Israel’s identity as a Jewish state.
Do You Work Here?: Volunteers as Consultants and Facilitators
There was a time when congregational leadership roles were clearly defined. Staff members served one role and volunteers served another. When an “expert” was needed, congregations either turned to outside consultants, or, if they were part of a denominational movement, they called the movement office to ask, “Who on your staff can work with our synagogue?”
Times have changed.
Introduction to Judaism: The Elephant in the Room
Like blindfolded people each attempting to describe an elephant from his or her perspective, it’s not always easy to describe what Judaism is, exactly.
Need a Break From the World? Israeli Reggae's a Great Escape
What do you do to process the relentless, overwhelming, often upsetting news these days? How about some Israeli reggae to overcome the news fatigue?
Tu BiShvat: Touchstones in Time
I love Tu BiShvat’s low-key preparation: no sermons, no sukkah, and no kitchen turned upside down. Quick trips for food and wine, and I’m all set.
My Spiritual Journey: From Jewish Ancestry to Jewish Commitment
Always a proud Israeli and Jew, I nonetheless felt something was missing in my life. Meeting religiously modern, dedicated Jews helped me see the missing piece.