by Audrey Lichter We are living in a very pivotal time for those of us involved in Jewish education. As opportunities for information to disseminate virtually has grown exponentially, many of us are looking to reinvent ourselves. The challenge of centralization versus decentralization is as old as Judaism is itself. The challenge of centralization versus Continue Reading »
by Michalee Merritt A simple way to grow your community is to offer small group learning. Small groups foster close relationships and integral community. They are great for people that would not normally participate in front of a whole class. More sharing happens in small groups. Small groups build lasting friendships. Chai Mitzvah offers programs Continue Reading »
by Nina Fondiller Woldin Yesterday, with two grandsons snuggled in my lap (OK, later that afternoon they both came down with fevers, we know that’s mandatory) I thought about what it is that makes me love being with kids. Whether I am asked or not, I often say that I’ve raised three kids and two Continue Reading »
by Jill Maidhof Ecclesiastes has it right—there really is nothing new under the sun. Last week my group was discussing the 6th diber (“statement,” commonly translated as “commandment”) described in the Aseret: The Big Ten curriculum, Do Not Murder. We were all clear about the sin of putting a gun to someone’s head, but what Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Deb Smith We are currently in the midst of what I call the counting down/counting up period of the Jewish year. It is the period of time that begins with the second Pesach Seder and continues to Shavuot, the holiday commemorating receiving the Torah at Sinai. This period is marked by seven weeks Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter A major study from The Jewish Education Project has shown a steep decline in the number of students attending part-time Jewish educational schools throughout the country. This provides us with an opportunity to rethink Jewish education. Halacha comes from the Hebrew word holech… walk. Halacha has generally been interpreted as a guide Continue Reading »
By Nina Fondiller Woldin Every Passover, like the Israelites, I take a long trip through the desert. Our ancestors traveled on foot, and I travel in a van with all the amenities a house, but the journey helps me to picture myself as if I, too, left Egypt. … the journey helps me to picture Continue Reading »
by Michalee Merritt Counting the Omer is the connection between Passover and Shavuot. Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai happened on Shavuot. The Omer period is one preparation and anticipation for the giving of the Torah. What is the significance of counting the Omer? The Kabbalistic interpretation of counting the Omer is one that Continue Reading »
by Jill Maidhof I have a shameless plug for those of you who are Hadassah members: Did you know that a couple of years ago Chai Mitzvah developed a three-unit, six-session curriculum that relates to the mission of your organization? Chapter members in Kansas, Missouri and Florida have used our curriculum and it was their Continue Reading »
By Rabbi Debra Smith According to the US Holocaust Museum, antisemitic incidents are at a 40 year high. Extremist groups continue to call for violence against Jews. Young neo-Nazis are openly promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories on college campuses. Loud voices are openly spreading hate against Jews. Loud voices are openly spreading hate against Jews. Over Continue Reading »
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