Pushing Hatred Out of the Civic Mainstream
This election once again brought anti-Semitism, racism, xenophobia, and misogyny to the foreground of American politics and, it is up to us to push them out of the mainstream of our civic life.
In the Absence of Wholeness, God Cries With Us
At the ancient Temple, our rabbis warned us about unchecked hatred. Recently at this very site, I shoved and pushed to protect others from such hate.
How Your Congregation Can Achieve Success on #GivingTuesday
Begun on November 27, 2012, #GivingTuesday was created by the team at the Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact at the 92nd Street Y as an antidote to the conspicuous consumption of its counterparts, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Beginning with 2,500 organizations, #GivingTuesday’s popularity has skyrocketed and last year 27,000 different organizations participated. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 29th.
Here are seven tips to get your congregation’s community involved in the year’s biggest day of giving.
5 Important Skills for Youth in the 21st Century
The recent election cycle has been a reminder of the important work we do in helping the next generation navigate a complex world. In times of rapid change, our youth need more than traditional learning to truly thrive. So, what does it take?
How to Put a Unique Jewish Stamp on Your American Thanksgiving
Consider the themes Thanksgiving inspires: remembrance, appreciation of blessings, family, togetherness, food, and a celebration of freedom. Could these things be any more Jewish?!
The Music of the Shofar Service
Tekiah! Teruah! Shevarim! Tekiah Gedolah!
Un’taneh Tokef: The Awesome Sanctity of This Day
In the traditional liturgy, the special character of each holiday is particularly conveyed by the piyyutim (hymns, liturgical poems) that are recited or chanted on that day. Most of these piyyutim have been omitted in Reform liturgies since the nineteenth century, out of a sense that their Hebrew diction is too arcane and their theology too medieval. Yet, some of these poems have routinely been retained in Reform High Holy Day prayer books, particularly for Yom Kippur.
Meditations on the Poetry of Un’taneh Tokef
Descriptions of God are speculation, imagination, projection, fantasy, philosophical proposition or pure poetry. Some are banal. Some are hate-filled. Some are so sublime they move us to tears. Some lead us to insights about ourselves. Some transport us beyond our parochial perceptions to act on behalf of others. Notions of God represent our greatest hopes or fears about the power that lies far beyond us or both beyond and within us
How to Make Meaning of America’s Election Results: A Letter to My Children
My adult children in both America and Israel have expressed concern over the outcome of the American elections. This letter is my contribution to their thinking.
2015 Hate Crime Statistics Show Areas of Work Ahead
Each November, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) releases its annual report on hate crime statistics, called the Hate Crime Statistics Report.