On World AIDS Day, We Reflect on the Epidemic and Its Stigmatization
Today marks World AIDS Day, a day devoted to raising awareness of the AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) epidemic.
Writing on the Wall: Arson and Racist Graffiti in Jerusalem
Disaster struck Saturday night at a school building in Jerusalem. Four firefighter teams were called in to extinguish a blaze that destroyed a first-grade classroom.
Does God Care What We Wear or Where We Pray?
There was a time when attending Shabbat services meant dressing up: suits and ties for men, dresses for women.
Hamburger From Sacred Cows
No one can bring us back from the deep dark pit; here the joy of victory and songs of praise are useless… Raise your eyes in hope, not through gun sights; sing a song for love and not for wars [originally - for victories]….
Green Kislev: A Hanukkah Conservation Challenge
Welcome to December and the Jewish month of Kislev!
There’s No “Right Way” to Celebrate the Holidays
According to Tevye from "Fiddler on the Roof," it's not the Shema that's the watchword of our faith.
It's "Tradition!"
Yes, traditions matter, but at what cost?
Journeying to Judaism: My Conversion Story
More than just a conversion requirement, Len Gesinksi found Introduction to Judaism to be inspirational, and believes it was instrumental in shaping his and his wife's journeys toward Judaism.
How Can We Deal with the So-Called "December Dilemma"?
The challenges and contradictions of being a Jew in America are never more obvious than in the month of December. Christmas is unavoidable from before Thanksgiving until well after New Year's. Every year, I wonder how much I should participate in the hoopla.
The Torah In Haiku: Vayishlach (וישלח)
After they wrestle, the anonymous stranger tells Jacob, "Your name will no longer be said to be Jacob, but Israel" (Gen 32:39). However, as we continue to read about our Patriarch in Torah we will find that both names are used - sometimes in a single verse. Whatever name is used in later chapters, this moment is a turning point in Jacob's life.
The Day Our Daughter Killed Santa: A Cautionary Tale
One day after a Girl Scout Brownie meeting, my wife received a call from an irate mom accusing our third-grader of ruining her daughter’s childhood: “Mimi announced in front of all the girls that there is no Santa Claus!” My wife apologized, but in Mimi’s defense, pointed out that sooner or later