First Person
The prayer for the government comes alive
I remember many years ago feeling ambivalent about the prayer for the government recited in synagogues every Shabbat morning. Were we sanctifying the…
Editorial
After a dark year, looking forward to a time of hope
With 2020 now officially in the history books, wouldn’t it be lovely if last year’s awfulness were behind us? Sadly, it is not. Yet there is reason for…
First Person
Embracing the call to include non-male voices every time I teach Torah
Many of my fellow rabbinical students and friends are enthusiastic about a new strategy for elevating women’s voices in Torah study into the beit midrash…
Local Voice
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the UK’s late Rabbi Sacks
Recently I watched an online program of learning in memory of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former chief rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the…
The Matzo Chronicles
I’ve made my resolutions, but will I be in the 8 percent?
Jews are lucky. They get two New Year’s observances. And two chances to make New Year’s resolutions. Unfortunately, they also get two chances to break…
First Person
We've spent every Christmas with our close Catholic friends
When I was 3 years old, I yelled at a kind, unsuspecting, probably very stressed-out retail worker at a Macy’s for asking me what I wanted for Christmas.…
Religion
Which blessing should you say when you get the Covid-19 vaccine?
Jewish liturgy offers blessings for seemingly every occasion, from ritual moments (such as lighting Shabbat candles) to sublime experiences (seeing a…
Letters
Hanukkah isn't 'woke'; Antifa dangers downplayed; BDS; etc.
Antifa’s ‘street thugs’ Your editorial “We need a big-tent antifascist movement” (Dec. 9) properly warned of the potential danger of the Proud Boys, one…
The Sit-Down
Hasidic rapper Nissim Black on his creative process and Covid recovery
Nissim Black is passionately, assuredly, confidently in love with God. Not in love with Judaism, though he’s fastidious in prayer and observance. Not in…