The Music of Avinu Malkeinu
In the game “Truth-or-Dare,” I choose “truth” nearly every time. I’m not much of a dare-taker. Thus, if you and I were playing “Special Edition Truth-or-Dare: High Holy Days,” I would confess that the prayer Avinu Malkeinu provides me with both my second-favorite liturgical moment and my second-greatest pet peeve of the year’s liturgy. (Note: Even though I may have to repent for it, I will leave you in suspense about my favorite liturgical moment and my greatest liturgical pet peeve. Also, “Special Edition Truth-or-Dare: High Holy Days” is fictional, although I hereby declare copyright in the event Mattel or Hasbro comes knocking at my door.)
The Shofar Service: Malchiyot, Zichronot, Shofarot
The blowing of the shofar is surely one of the high points of the Rosh Hashanah morning service. But the “Shofar Service” as the discrete entity we know today is actually a creation of Reform liturgists. Located at the end of the Torah service, before the Torah is returned to the ark, and including the three sections of Malchiyot (biblical verses dealing with God’s Sovereignty), Zichronot (biblical verses dealing with God’s Attentiveness), andShofarot (biblical verses dealing with the sounding of the Shofar), this is a synthesis of two different pieces of traditional liturgy
The New Reform Machzor and the Shofar Service
The traditional High Holy Day prayer book, as opposed to the Reform versions produced in the last century and more, includes a service, musaf, that evokes the ancient sacrifices. Reform Judaism abandoned this service, due to its musty connotations of “barbarian” rites but a key element of this service on Rosh Hashanah, the sounding of the shofar was maintained. Sounding of the shofar was retained no doubt because the very essence of Rosh Hashanah is bound up in the peal of the shofar. Can you imagine Rosh Hashanah without it
50 Years After the Six-Day War: The Zionist Dream and Israel’s Story
As Israel observes the 50th anniversary of the Six-Day War and the reunification of Jerusalem, this moment offers us a unique point of reflection.
How Ritual Got a Bad Rap
Learn what writer, editor, blogger, and professor of liturgy Dr. Lawrence A. Hoffman has to say about Jewish ritual and worship.
8 Ways to Take Jewish Action around Family Separation
We will continue to update this list as more opportunities become available. Thank you for your commitment to keeping families together.
Observing World Refugee Day
Every year on June 20, we honor the resilience and courage of refugees and celebrate their contributions to our communities and to our entire nation.
What the Bible Really Says: A Prayer for Those Who Love Humanity and Our Texts
As someone who loves a religion that holds the texts of the Hebrew Bible as sacred, I take issue with attempts to use the Bible as a tool to convince us we should comply blindly.
7 Jewish Reasons (and Ways) to Celebrate Canada Day
Canada Day, a national holiday on July 1, marks the history, culture, and achievements of Canada and its citizens. Here are seven Jewish ways to celebrate.
Reform Jews Demand: #FamiliesBelongTogether!
On Thursday, a group of 40 faith leaders traveled to McAllen, TX, where they met and bore witness to families who have crossed the border in search of a better future.