Displaying 1 - 10 of 41
Wholly Jewish: Noa: The Beauty of Taking Up Space
On the season finale of Wholly Jewish season 2, we are joined by NYU student and college organizer Noa Baron (they/them). Noa shares the personal and Jewish and significance of their name (and their Jewish name-changing ceremony), the importance of deep listening to the queer community, their aspirations as a trans Jewish leader, and the beauty LGBTQ+ Jews bring to the Jewish community.
Life as a Banquet: A Thanksgiving Prayer
This original prayer is a reminder to all of us to rejoice in life's blessings and to share the bounty of God's gifts.
The Power of Our Dreams, Both Asleep and Awake
The book of Genesis contains many famous dreams, and this week’s parashah, Vayeitzei, contains one of the most famous dreams ever recorded: the vision of Jacob’s ladder.
When Do We Know We’ve Completed the Struggle?
In Parashat Vayishlach, Jacob receives a new name that becomes the name of the Jewish people: Israel.
The Most Painful Parts of Joseph’s Story Can Teach Us about Ourselves
The Story of Joseph is the longest single story in the Torah and one of the most famous narratives found in the entire Hebrew Bible. This text has inspired many traditional and modern commentaries and additional interpretations though contemporary culture.
Kindling the Lights of Peace: A Meditation for Shabbat Candle-Lighting
After lighting the Sabbath candles,
many people wave their hands in a circular motion three times
and bring their hands to their face when finished.
A beautiful interpretation of this practice
is that it helps us bring the light and peace of Shabbat
into our neshamahs, our homes, and our families.
Soul-Making: Living in the Peaks, the Valleys, and Everything in Between
We may want to experience only life's peaks, but there’s another valuable direction in life, too – into the valleys. Our upward movement is balanced by a downward movement, like the angels in Jacob’s dream. We need to embrace both.
What Torah Can Teach Us about Overcoming Loneliness
In the beginning of Parashat Chayei Sarah, Abraham introduces himself to the people of Canaan, the land that has been promised to his descendants.
A Prayer for After Elections
There was that moment at the Red Sea when our people despaired like never before. Looking behind, the people saw an enemy coming for them. Looking ahead, the waters seemed ready to swallow them up.
The Greatest Threat to Civilization, as Taught by Torah
When reading Parashat Tol’dot each year, I am amazed how relevant these ancient stories remain today, including the last significant moment in Isaac’s life.