You know those times when someone’s talking to you and you’re kind of paying attention but not really, until that person needs a response from you and you have no idea what to say? In my house, we call that “sorta listening” as in “Oh sorry, I was just sorta listening – better give it Continue Reading »
Did you know that you can still make Havdalah today, Monday? In fact, Havdalah may be observed as late as sunset of the Tuesday following Shabbat. This was one of the facts that we learned in our three-part Sharing Shabbat series. The third part was held last Tuesday night, February 15. I had the pleasure Continue Reading »
We just got off the phone with a beautiful couple, he a Rabbi and she a Jewish educator and organizational guru who live in Israel and help families have meaningful Israeli B’nai Mitzvah experiences. They spoke candidly with us, about the joys of their work and the frustrations. Actually, the sadness they feel when a Continue Reading »
One of the best parts of my job is getting to know our amazing Chai Mitzvah participants. That’s why I want to introduce you to Norma Krasne-Levine. Read on, and meet a person who follows her convictions and sets an example for us all! The first time I met Norma in a virtual Mussar class, Continue Reading »
Everything that I do, everywhere I go and everything that I continue to be a part of is because it was a warm and welcoming place. Should we not always welcome strangers or be kind to everyone? These days with people wearing masks out in public you can’t tell when someone is smiling at you. Continue Reading »
My current favorite book is Judaism for the World: Reflections on God, Life and Love by rabbi and scholar Arthur Green. I LOVED it and learned from every page. At one point, Rabbi Green observes that while Jewish texts are more accessible than ever thanks to recent translations and interpretations, much of it is highly Continue Reading »
The holiday of Tu B’Shvat is truly a gift of hope. Like a bud forcing its way up through the frozen earth of winter, Tu B’Shvat springs up each year, a gift of hope in the midst of winter‘s darkness. Just when I’m at my lowest place in the deepest part of winter, Tu B’Shvat comes Continue Reading »
It’s my turn to write a blog for Chai Mitzvah… and as I sit in our new home looking out at a rather gray sky I am drawing a blank. You see, we recently moved from a comfortable affordable condo a couple of miles down the road so we can have Shabbat dinner with our Continue Reading »
SCROLL DOWN Rites of Passage Opening Song from Alexander Hamilton Travelin’ Prayer – Billy Joel Blowin’ in the Wind – Bob Dylan Miriam and Yehuda Receiving the Diagnosis Tzedakah & Chesed If Everyone Cared – Nickelback Things People with Disabilities Wish You Knew Tzedakah and Chesed on the NYC Subway Continue Reading »
Today is Rosh Chodesh Shvat, the month that contains the original Earth Day: Tu B’Shvat. We celebrate Tu B’Shvat when most of the winter rains have passed in Israel, and the sap is beginning to rise in the trees. We celebrate the rebirth of nature. We celebrate the beauty of creation, and think about our Continue Reading »
West Hartford, CT
860.206.8363
info@chaimitzvah.org
Copyright © 2024 Chai Mitzvah. All rights reserved. Website designed by Addicott Web.