By Rabbi Debra Smith A few weeks back I had the pleasure of meeting with Audrey Lichter, Chai Mitzvah‘s founding executive director. Audrey was on a Chai Mitzvah “road trip” in the South which included Florida, where I make my home. Although I have been a part of the Chai Mitzvah’s professional staff for a Continue Reading »
By Nina Fondiller Woldin Many astronauts report a profound shift in perspective towards Earth after seeing it from space, often described as the “Overview Effect.” They experience a deep sense of awe, interconnectedness, and a renewed responsibility to protect the planet due to its fragility and beauty when viewed from afar. This can lead to Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter I recently read Rabbi Yitz Greenberg’s new book, The Triumph of Life, on his theology of Judaism in the third stage of the covenant. Yitz’s writing stems profoundly from his immersion for many years in holocaust studies. He concludes that we are entering another stage of our relationship with the covenant that Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Debra Smith I have been particularly troubled by the rise of antisemitism we are experiencing. I have attended numerous programs and webinars on the topic and have also studied the origins and causes of this insidious condition that Jews have experienced since the beginning of time. This past week, I was fortunate enough Continue Reading »
By Nina Fondiller Woldin Today we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., the chief advocate of nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. We focus on racial discrimination in federal and state law, and society at large. Jewish people provided grassroots activism, financial support, and legal expertise to support the Civil Rights Movement nationwide. These actions Continue Reading »
by Nina Fondiller Woldin One of my daughters lives minutes from the LA fires. She has two small children and she’s pregnant. Her children’s school and her husband’s office are closed. Friends of hers have lost their houses. So far, she is lucky. I am telling you this because I’m thinking about what Jewish tradition Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter President Carter is being eulogized. After his presidency, he became known for his humanitarian work and his efforts on behalf of international peace. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace. For Jews though, his reputation is much more nuanced. Micheal Oren writes in his article Jimmy Carter and Jewish Tragedy: The Continue Reading »
by Michalee Merritt During the High Holidays we think about all the wrongs that we did. We atone for our sins and wish to be written in the Book of Life. At this time I think about how I can be a better person. At the end of the secular year people start to think Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Deb Smith Hanukkah is one of my favorite times of the year because we bring light into a time of shorter days and longer nights. In many parts of the country it is also cold and snowy. Lighting then Hanukkah candles with friends and family, whether on Zoom or in the same room, Continue Reading »
by Nina Fondiller Woldin I’m sitting at my computer dressed in the working-remotely-Zoom-uniform: business casual shirt and flannel pajama pants. Outside it’s dreary and cold, reminding me that the winter solstice is only 5 days away. Everywhere are reminders that during times of darkness, we look for light. Businesses and homes are lit for the Continue Reading »
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