What I Learned from My Breast Cancer Experience
I am a breast cancer survivor. Before my diagnosis, I knew of individuals who had survived breast cancer and some who had died of breast cancer. None was a family member.
All Its Inhabitants: Living Under Israeli Jurisdiction
In a forthcoming book, two rabbis address the aspirational ethical treatment of all the inhabitants of the land of Israel as detailed in its Declaration of Independence.
How Can We Find Hope and Faith in the Face of Death?
Rabbi Stephen Karol's new book is based on his many years of helping congregants in mourning, which shaped and sharpened his perceptions of death and Jewish mourning tradition.
Kol Nidrei: A Poem
I heard Kol Nidrei on a violin tonight.
They should take all legal documents
and set them to music.
All vows –
This legal document
written in unholy language
a prenuptial agreement
for our inevitable failing.
This relationship with
How One Synagogue Honored Loved Ones Lost – and Found Community Anew
Throughout the course of 12 years, Temple Shalom in Succasunna, N.J., experienced a number of hardships, ranging from financial difficulties to a decline in membership. As it turned out, though, the thing that would inspire this community to thrive once again was, well, the very community itself.
How a Suburban Synagogue is Creating Community by Hosting Events with a Big-City Vibe
How do you lead a congregation and create cohesive community when your synagogue exists between two distinct communities? That was one of the challenges facing Oak Park Temple, which sits between the west Chicago suburbs and the northwest part of Chicago in the suburb of Oak Park, where more young families are increasingly relocating
JTA's 8 Must-Read Jewish News Stories of 5779
These are the Jewish stories that most captured our attention in the year that was and whose ramifications are likely to continue to play out in 5780
Voting Rights and Responsibilities: Reflecting on the VRA
As the Voting Rights Act turns 54 this year, we lament the sixth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Shelby County v. Holder decision. As we look ahead to the 2020 general election next year, we must continue the fight for our fundamental right and embrace our civic duty to vote.
Choose Life: A Jewish Way to Affirm Coming Out Day
My daughter was born with gender dysphoria, meaning her biological sex does not match her gender identity.
4 New Sukkah Blessings To Try This Year
Marking holidays looks very different for most of us this year - a perfect time to try something completely new. Though we might need to wait another year before gathering together with groups for a Sukkot meal, here are a few new ideas to try now.