8 Principles that Drive Strong Congregations
All congregational leaders are looking for the magic formula to success, the one that will ensure that their members are happy, engaged, and Jewishly fulfilled, and that their budgets are balanced.
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.
The Amidah of the High Holy Days - Sovereignty and Forgiveness
The Amidah for the High Holy Days features thematic additions for the Days of Awe. One significant addition on Rosh Hashanah is “M’loch” – a prayer that celebrates the coronation of God as the Ultimate Ruler.
The Music of the Rosh HaShanah Amidah
Each year as I prepare for the High Holy Days, I return to the familiar melodies that make up our Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services.
The Day I Met Leonard Cohen in Jerusalem
ReformJudaism.org interviewed Julia Knobloch about her powerful collection of poems, Do Not Return, which captures the essence of the “wandering Jew.”
5 Takeaways from a Jewish Meditation Retreat for Activists
A couple of weekends ago, I did something totally beyond my comfort zone. Along with 20 other Jewish activists, I attended a contemplative, mostly silent, meditation retreat through the Institute for Jewish Spirituality.
How and Why I’m So Committed to Teaching My Kids to Value Diversity
Now that I’m a parent, teaching my children about racism, classism, and homophobia is as important to me as teaching them about their 5,000-year-old Jewish heritage.
9 Close-to-Home Spots for Your Jewish (or Jewish-ish) Summer Vacation
Summer is prime travel time, and we’re of the belief that no matter where you’re headed, you can “do Jewish” while you’re there – and you don’t have to travel across the globe to do it!
A Poem for Balak: I Meant to Curse
Written several years ago by Stacey Zisook Robinson, this poem speaks to this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Balak.