The Chai Mitzvah Blog

A Gift of Hope in the Midst of Winter’s Darkness

Posted on January 17, 2022

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 »

Climbing the Tree Higher

Posted on January 10, 2022

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 »

KEHILAH: Caring and Community Resources

Posted on January 8, 2022

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 »

The Sea is Not Full

Posted on January 3, 2022

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 »

The Days are Getting Longer!

Posted on December 27, 2021

Getting through the long, dark and cold months of New Jersey’s  winters has always been a challenge for me. However, the holiday of Tu B’Shvat, the New Year of the Trees, with its promise of Spring to come, always brings me great joy, illuminates my soul and brings me comfort in the darkness of Winter.  Continue Reading »

Life on the Upswing!

Posted on December 20, 2021

It’s Tuesday which means that I’m at the park with my grandson. We call it the Superpark because we can climb really high, ride a zip line, make music, build sand castles and spin ‘til my, (not his) stomach says no more, please!! This park even has tons of dirt piled into what in our Continue Reading »

New and Returning Groups: Are YOU on the List?

Posted on December 13, 2021

Welcome to our 89 New and Returning Groups for 2022! If you don’t see your name, please let us know! Anderson/Brown Group – Orinda, CA B’er Chayim Congregation – Cumberland, MD B’nai Aviv – Weston, FL Beth El Synagogue – Omaha, NE Beth Israel Center – Madison, WI Chai Mitzvah Chaverot – Jersey City, NJ Continue Reading »

HOT OFF THE PRESS! Conspiracy U

Posted on December 13, 2021

Scott Shay, our Board Chair and Founder’s new book Conspiracy U: A Case Study has just been published and is now available for sale. It couldn’t have come at a more auspicious time, with the rise of anti-Semitism and the challenges many college students face on their campuses. Taking a deep dive into anti-Zionism Conspiracy Theories on the right and Continue Reading »

CM on the Road 🚗

Posted on December 13, 2021

Audrey Lichter with Daniel Staffenberg, Chief Executive Officer Jewish Federation of Richmond Virginia What better way to spread the power of Chai Mitzvah initiatives than an in person visit from our Executive Director, Audrey Lichter? For 17 days this fall, Audrey and her husband visited synagogues, Federations, JCC’s and Hillels throughout the South. Stops included Philadelphia, Richmond Continue Reading »

Virtual Community ❤️

Posted on December 13, 2021

“I’m sitting in my home in Toronto, Canada and appreciating every moment.” Marlene S., a Mussar class participant writes. As the Chai Mitzvah Mussar instructor, I also appreciate every moment of sharing with our wonderful Mussar learners. In fact, One of the most wonderful opportunities I’ve had during the COVID-19 pandemic has been to teach Chai Continue Reading »

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