The Chai Mitzvah Blog

A Different Journey, But Not a New One

Posted on April 15, 2024

Every April I drive cross country to visit my middle daughter and her family. Having completed that journey once again, I look at my grandsons, ages 4 and 5, and think about how tradition tells us that all Jewish people stand at Sinai every Shavuot – even the ones that aren’t born yet. Every year Continue Reading »

Preparing for Passover

Posted on April 8, 2024

by Audrey Lichter This is year is different. The usual early preparations for the cleansing of the chametz – scrubbing the cupboards, taking and inventory of chametz meals for the next few weeks to make room for Passover foods, the unpacking of  the Passover bins of cookware and the process of making the soup well in Continue Reading »

Three Chai Mitzvah Choices for You

Posted on April 1, 2024

by Michalee Merritt Did you know that Chai Mitzvah changed its tagline? We are now The Resource Center for Jewish Engagement. We offer so many ways for you to engage and be part of a Jewish community. We offer so many ways for you to engage and be part of a Jewish community.  You can Continue Reading »

Reflections on a Very Different Purim

Posted on March 25, 2024

by Rabbi Debra Smith, “Reb Deb” For me, Purim 2024 has been a holiday of considering and reflecting on many opposites. Before enjoying a wonderful Wizard of Oz-themed Purim spiel here in Boynton Beach (complete with delicious home baked hamantaschen) I offered the weekly Sunday morning study session to my community. I would like to dedicate Continue Reading »

What I Have Learned from You

Posted on March 18, 2024

by Jill Maidhof Twice a year we five members of the Chai Mitzvah national staff paint a portrait of the organization for the members of our Board. As the Outreach Coordinator, I speak with participants throughout the year, but never more than during Board Report month, as we confirm the number of people we’re reaching and receive their Continue Reading »

Purim 5784-2024, Again!

Posted on March 11, 2024

by Nina Fondiller Woldin Chances are that you know the story of Purim – wicked Haman convinces King Achashverosh to have all the Jews of Persia killed. Encouraged by her cousin Mordechai, Queen Esther, the king’s secretly Jewish wife, risks her life to intercede on her people’s behalf. How many times can you remember someone Continue Reading »

Muddled Thinking or a New Reality

Posted on March 4, 2024

by Audrey Lichter This past Shabbat Trinity College in Hartford CT hosted their annual  LGBQ Shabbat. In the past, the LGBQ community at Trinity would be welcomed into the Hillel House for a service and a joint Shabbat meal. This year the organization insisted that Hillel make a contribution to Gaza aid before they agreed Continue Reading »

The season is beginning to change!

Posted on February 26, 2024

by Michalee Merritt I love this time of year. Maybe because I know that I go on vacation every March? I think it is because I know that I will see more of my community coming out of hibernation. We all start to talk about what kind of hamantaschen we all like (I am partial Continue Reading »

Recipe for Responsible Leadership

Posted on February 19, 2024

by Rabbi Debra Smith On the occasion of Presidents’ Day, I have been reflecting on the topic of leadership, specifically the traits that define a responsible leader. Whether one is a leader in their family, club, organization, community, or beyond, certain guidance is common regarding good leadership. What is your recipe for  successful leadership? According Continue Reading »

Water Your Jewish Garden

Posted on February 12, 2024

by Jill Maidhof “What did you learn today that you didn’t already know?”  This is the way I greet my grandson after a morning of religious school. He tells me he learned the 10 Commandments and when I ask, “which one?,” he  says “all of them.” “That’s great!” I say, but what I’m thinking is Continue Reading »

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