Volunteerism is Alive and Well in Israel
Recently, I was riding the train north from Tel Aviv when a group of about a dozen teenagers boarded, wearing Mada uniforms and bearing backpacks or roll-ons. “Mada” is the acronym for Magen David Adom, Red Star of David, the Israeli Red Cross.
Many kids serve as Mada volunteers during high school, either out of inner motivation or as one of the ways to fulfill their 10th grade community service requirement. They have the chance to learn paramedic skills, experience some excitement, and explore various careers. The teens on the train were coming home from a summer training encampment. On a different train, on a different afternoon in August, I could have encountered a similar group, from any of many different youth organizations and movements in Israel that offer summer encampments for leadership and other skills training.
10 Terrific High Holiday Books for Kids
Stories are a great way to help children and young adults prepare for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Here are 10 High Holiday-themed books to share with the kids in your life.
The Torah In Haiku: Shof'tim
These verses concern judges and other officials who will be appointed by the people. But the rules are addressed to all the people - "you shall not" rather than "the judges shall not."
Meet the 2016-2017 Eisendrath Legislative Assistants
The beginning of the program year is always an exciting time at the RAC, as we begin a new cycle of tikkun olam work.
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Is Our Communal Responsibility
Elul is upon us. The sound of the shofar reminds us that this silent epidemic must be addressed. Its cries echo those left in the depths of sorrow, feeling alone, believing that those who love them most would be better off without them. Our fear of mental illness must be replaced with a resolve to educate ourselves and others.
Stones of Remembrance in Lithuania Honor Holocaust Victims
On the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust, the Lithuanian Centre for Human Rights is spearheading the installation of 19 remembrance stones in the cities of Vilnius, Kaunas, Siauliai, and Panevezys.
Redemption…With Popcorn: Five Movies for Selichot
Elul is famously a month of t'shuvah, returning and atonement, and these five films anticipate the penitential prayers.
6 Ways Your Congregation Can Be Even More Welcoming at Rosh HaShanah
Let’s treat every person who connects to our communities like both a family member coming home and an honored guest. Here are six ways to do just that.
Apples and a Different Kind of Honey
Every year, I set out apples and honey on our holiday table even though I don’t like traditional bee honey. This year, I have a solution.
7 Ways Teens Can Get Involved in the Presidential Election
Most high schoolers can’t yet vote, but they can still take part in this important effort. Here are six ways Jewish teens can work with their congregations to make an impact in the 2016 election.