I’m a Jew-by-choice. Can we plan to name our baby after a living relative who is not Jewish?
In Ashkenazic practice (Jews of Eastern European origin), the custom is to name a child after a relative who has died, while Sephardim (Jews of Spanish and Middle Eastern origin) tend to name their children after living relatives. Reform practice allows either option.
Is there a Jewish holiday that highlights love?
A little-known holiday is Tu B'Av, a day marked by dancing and courtship.
What is a Sukkah?
A sukkah is a temporary, hut-like dwelling built during the holiday of Sukkot. (In fact, the word sukkot is the plural of sukkah.)
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-et'chanan
In Parashat Va-et'chanan, Moses prepares Joshua to take on leadership of the Jewish people. So, it’s fitting that this week, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by Rabbi Matt Green, the assistant rabbi at Congregation Beth Elohim in Brooklyn, New York and director of Brooklyn Jews.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Eikev: Reward and Punishment
Parashat Eikev contains the second paragraph of the Sh'ma, which is no longer read in many Reform communities.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - T'rumah: The Right Ways to Give
In Parashat T'rumah, God asks the Israelites for gifts and there are so many different ways and reasons that people give - but is there a best way?