Displaying 1 - 10 of 24
Stories We Tell: The Bird Catcher
This week, Rabbi Simcha Bob tells the story of a woman who catches and sells birds for a living. One day, she comes across a beautiful bird who can speak and even promises her 3 pieces of wisdom if she releases him. Through this story. Rabbi Bob compels us to think about how well we listen to the advice of others and the ways in which we impart wisdom as well.
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Stories We Tell: Get Up and Go Early
We’ve all had days when we have so many things to do, but we just want to stay in bed and put our tasks off for later. This week, Rabbi Leora Kaye tells a story about a rabbi who faced that very same temptation head-on, showing us how we too can push through our temptation and “get up and go early.”
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Stories We Tell: What it Takes to Get in
Three souls are met by the Heavenly Tribunal as they approach the gates of Paradise: a learned rabbi, a pious man, and a tavern keeper. Each one makes their case as to why they should enter Paradise, but who among them instantly earns the Tribunal's favor?
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What is the shmita or sabbatical year?
The sabbatical year, shmita in Hebrew, finds it roots in the Torah.
What do I do with a tallit, when it is damaged and can no longer be used?
That is a great question. The tallit is actually made up of two parts – the garment and the fringes attached to the garment.
Why do some Jews wear white on Yom Kippur?
At one time, it was customary for Reform rabbis and cantors to wear robes when leading worship.
Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?
The practice of fasting goes back to the biblical verse in Leviticus 26:27, which instructs the people of Israel to "afflict their souls" on Yom Kippur.
At what age do Jews start to participate in a fast on Yom Kippur? What if they are sick and not well enough to fast?
Typically, young people are expected to fast once they have become b’nei mitzvah, the age after which they are considered adults in the religious community.
Is Yom Kippur like confession?
Yom Kippur does have a confession service. Here's how it is and isn't similar to the Catholic practice of confession.