10 Ways to Welcome Teens at the High Holidays
Looking for innovative opportunities to engage your teens around the High Holidays? These 10 ideas come directly from the source – youth professionals across North America.
If Anne Frank Had a Gun
I am often asked why Jews went like sheep to the slaughter during the Holocaust. The question falsely assumes it was possible to resist, but Jews failed to do so.
What Matters Most to You at the End of Life?
Ninety percent of people say that talking with loved ones about end-of-life care is important, yet only 27% have done so. Have you had this conversation?
To See Spirituality Every Day, Look to Martin Buber's Teachings
Spirituality thrives in homes, offices, and synagogues, hiding in plain sight -- in small talk, and in extended conversations. Jewish thinker Martin Buber called this spirituality “I-Thou.”
Ethical Demands Are Essential for Israel's Success
For most Israelis, Jewish identity is primarily national, ethnic, or ceremonial, while ethical values are seen as obligations for all, with no connection to Judaism.
How to Celebrate Hanukkah in Today’s World
In today’s world that doesn’t feel quite festive, can I get myself into a celebratory mood for Hanukkah?
Hanukkah Sweaters are Now a Thing... and I Love Them!
Making sweaters is a complicated business. It’s hard to get a business off the ground. But one Jewish sweater maven managed to get it done.
Celebrating the Risk of Caring: One Congregation's Holiday Project
One Sunday morning, 50 Congregation Or Ami families hosted 50 New Directions for Youth for lunch, shopping, and connection for Holiday Childspree at Kohl’s, an annual tradition of tzedakah (charitable giving) and gemilut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness).
How to Make Hanukkah an Opportunity to Help Heal the World
Though our kids have a long list of things they want for Hanukkah, we try to navigate the week-long celebration, balancing gifts, donations, and experiences.
8 Fun Menorahs for a Truly Lit Hanukkah
Hanukkah is a great holiday for plenty of reasons, not least of all for the celebrated eating of fried food and gambling with chocolate. If you’re looking to jazz up your Hanukkah a little more, we found eight fun and surprising hanukkiyot that can help kick your festivities up a notch.