It’s Never Too Late to Become a Bat Mitzvah
Becoming a bat mitzvah as an adult was one of the high points in my life; I felt proud to be Jewish in a way I had never previously experienced.
On Mother’s Day, Honoring My Mom, Our Judaism, and the Next Phase of Life
As my mother relocates to an assisted living faility, I have the perfect housewarming gift for her: a mezuzah, to affix to her door to keep her safe and blessed and connected to our Jewish people.
Why My Introduction to Judaism Online Class Was So Valuable
My fascination with the story of the Jewish people and my partner’s strong connection to her Jewish identity motivated me to take an online Introduction to Judaism class.
Award-Winning Chef Michael Solomonov Shares the Love - and the Recipes
Israeli Chef Michael Solomonov's restaurant, Zahav, took home the 2019 James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, the top prize awarded in the category.
6 More Ways "Game of Thrones" is Like (and Unlike) the Torah
I wrote about some of their similarities when season seven of Game of Thrones was released; now, as we near the end of the episodes of Westeros, here are a few more commonalities to consider.
What I've Learned About Resiliency from Being a Victim of Terror
Fifteen years ago, I met evil personified: I was on bus #14 in Jerusalem when an 18-year-old terrorist, strapped with explosives, boarded my bus and detonated them.
A Major GVP Victory in California
California Governor Gavin Newsom responded to RAC-CA and our allies’ calls by tripling funding for local gun violence prevention (GVP) programs.
Newsom’s announcement came less than a week after the conclusion of our successful call-in week.
What I Learned in Cuba: #ItsComplicated
On a recent trip to Cuba, we engaged in tikkun olam, helping the Cuban people, who are in dire need of medications and other vital supplies that we take for granted.
Helping Congregants Deal with the Five Stages of Change
While not everyone goes through all five stages or in experience them in order, they are useful in understanding the range of emotions and mindsets people may experience when dealing with change.
How Our Synagogue Increased Teen Engagement by Stepping Out of the Classroom
When I arrived at Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El in Plantation, FL, six years ago, the congregation’s junior high and high school programs were dealing with a problem that many congregations are dealing with: trying to get teens who are going through b’nei mitzvah