The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek in memory of Kenneth Gordon. Tazria-Metzora Leviticus 12:1–15:33 In the private office of the Rabbi of Chelm … Student: Rabbi, I have a terrible problem. Rabbi: How can I help? Someone told me that they are thinking of killing themselves, and made me promise not…
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Religion
Religion
Bay Area synagogues start to head back inside
“It was a High Holidays atmosphere,” said Rabbi Mark Bloom, describing the first indoor event at his synagogue in more than a year. “The joy of just being…
Mixed & Matched
I’m tired of my fellow Jews insulting my Orthodoxy
Dear Dawn: I am from an interfaith family; my dad isn’t Jewish. I was raised and identify as Orthodox. Jews assume that it must be OK to criticize…
Astrolojew
Month of Iyar: Lighting the way to soul healing
Iyar 5781 April 12-May 11, 2021 This is the month we count the Omer, repairing and building up inner soul characteristics. This generates a divine healing…
Music
Jewish musicians roll out a year’s worth of spiritual ‘healing songs’
It was only about a week into lockdown last spring when Elana Brody took out her keyboard piano for a jam session. It was late at night, so it made sense…
Religion
Jewish psychedelic movement takes flight
Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, while some people were starting new hobbies, Rabbi Zac Kamenetz was starting a groundbreaking new organization, one he has…
Torah
In a crisis, we can only control how we choose to respond
The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek in memory of Kenneth Gordon. Shemini Leviticus 9:1–11:47 The stage is set, the…
Act Two
Pandemic Shabbats offer lessons to carry forward
It’s Friday evening. The fragrance of cooked turkey breast with rosemary and roasted garlic potatoes fills the house. The dining room table is festively…
Religion
How a new Holocaust 'seder' is preparing for a post-survivor world
Holocaust remembrance day programs in Jewish communities have stuck to a familiar form for decades, featuring Holocaust survivors sharing their stories…