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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.
How Do I Teach My 12-Year-Old Grandchild About the Holocaust?
The Holocaust is an important topic not only in Jewish history, but in the history of humankind. The topic is disturbing, and it is appropriate to feel uncomfortable and upset by the stories, facts, and especially the images. A thoughtful approach is required when – not if – you teach your tween grandchild about the Holocaust.
Stories We Tell: The Two Who Studied Torah
Aaron and David love studying Torah, and even want it to be their livelihood. But a truth-telling rabbi may send them down a different path. Join Rabbi Leora Kaye as she tells a story which reminds us that we can sometimes reach our dream destination by traversing an unexpected path.
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Stories We Tell: How To Fix The World
We all want to make the world a little better, but as it turns out, it’s not always easy. Join Aliza Greenberg, as she tells the tale of Abigail and Ella, two women who try, try and try again, to make the world perfect, in their own eyes.
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Stories We Tell: The Window Box
A woman, walking with her wife around Manhattan, hears a cricket. How could she have heard a cricket among all of the New York City noise? Cantor Rosalie Boxt, URJ Director of Worship tells the story. For a written version of this story, by Rabbi David E. Stern, read Three Times Chai: 54 Rabbis Tell Their Favorite Stories edited by Laney Katz Becker.
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Stories We Tell: Two Visits to the Palace
How do you see beauty? Rabbi Leora Kaye tells the story of Adam and Joshua’s visit to the palace. While they each see something special and amazing in their individual experiences, it’s what they learn to see, through each other’s eyes, that’s truly beautiful
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Stories We Tell: A Family's Gift
A treasured gift, wrapped in more than just love, is passed down through Yoesel's family, from generation to generation. Listen in as Michelle Shapiro Abraham tells the story of the gift and what happens when it's finally revealed.
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Stories We Tell: The Feather Pillow
What’s the difference between a story and gossip? Sometimes all it takes is a clever rabbi and an open window to find the answer. Join Ari Mosbacher as they share the tale of a man, a rumor and The Feather Pillow.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Suspicious Minds: The “Errant” Woman - Parashat Naso
What happens when the Me Too Movement meets Parashat Naso? This week’s complicated Torah portion about unfair trials and jealous men is a reminder that we must call out inequitable practices and right past wrongs – even (and especially) our own. Rabbi Rick Jacobs invokes Elizabeth Cady Stanton, as he reminds us that repairing that which is not whole or just isn’t always easy, but it is always right.
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