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Stories We Tell: The Wooden Sword
Once, there was a king who set out on a mission in his kingdom to learn about his reputation. He travelled from town to town and eventually met a happy old man and his wife. After asking them why they were so joyous, they replied, “God takes care of us.” The king was furious—it’s him who takes care of the people, not God! What the man and his wife do next teach everyone in the kingdom, including the king, what it means to be taken care of. Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, the rabbi at Reform Temple of Forest Hills retells the story. For a written version, see “The Wooden Sword” in The Jewish Story Finder by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
Audio file
Sukkot Explained, for Families with Young Children
On the 15 th of Tishrei, just five days after Yom Kippur ends, we usher in the holiday of Sukkot (translated into English as “booths” or “huts”). Sukkot , our Festival of Booths, is a festival of thanksgiving: for the food we have harvested, the homes we are so privileged to call our own, and for the natural world that surrounds us
Simchat Torah for Families
As the sun sets on the seventh day of Sukkot, we transition immediately into the jubilant celebration of Simchat Torah. There is no time to spare; we’ve got to get this Torah party started! Simchat Torah means “rejoicing in Torah,” and this holiday is a true celebration of Torah, and all that it represents. We dance, we sing, and we make merry, long into the night
The Conversion Bill Backgrounder
The Conversion Bill refers to the pending legislation in Israel that would grant the Chief Rabbinate exclusive control over matters of conversion. This bill threatens the legitimacy of Reform, Conservative, and even many Orthodox communities in Israel and beyond. The question of who is a Jew and which denominations are considered valid in the Jewish State are at the heart of this issue
The Western Wall Agreement: A History
The struggle for an egalitarian section at the Western Wall (the Kotel) where progressive Jews can pray with dignity is an ongoing and complex story. Read about the major developments here.
Conversion Law in Israel: A History
Recent attempts by Haredi parties to solidify their monopoly over conversions and to be the sole determiners of Jewish identity are part of a long and complicated history of conversion law in Israel. Read about the major developments here.
The Western Wall Backgrounder
The Western Wall Agreement refers to the decision to add to the egalitarian section at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Israel. Yet, this historic deal has come under fire and there are threats to undo the progress made by this momentous agreement.
Yom Kippur Explained, for Families with Young Children
Jewish tradition reinforces the importance of saying, “I’m sorry” with the sacred observance of Yom Kippur. It is widely considered to be the holiest, most solemn day of the Jewish year.
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High Holy Days, Forgiveness and the Criminal Justice System
On Yom Kippur, Jews all over the world fast and spend the day praying. The fast is meant to clear our minds in order to foster a deep connection with God as we try to repent and return to the best versions of ourselves.