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 »
by Audrey Lichter, originally published in Kenissa Konnections, the monthly newsletter of Kenissa: Communities of Meaning Network How did Chai Mitzvah come about? We believe that there are incredibly skilled and passionate Jewish professional and lay leaders in our communities. We also believe that there are a plethora of opportunities for Jewish engagement and growth, Continue Reading »
by Michalee Merritt I can’t help but to think of The Bryds song Turn, Turn, Turn this time of year. I know that some see it as a sad song but I see it as a call for transition. The song is a series of opposing actions. That is what it’s like this time of Continue Reading »
(whether or not you actually wear it) By Nina Fondiller Woldin Tonight, Jewish people all over the world will celebrate Purim. We’ll begin by giving tzedakah, then read Megillat Esther, eat hamantaschen, dress up in costumes, make noise, and generally enjoy ourselves! But we will also be thinking seriously about the message of Purim, Continue Reading »
By Reb Deb The Torah gives us a daunting commandment and spiritual challenge in the month of Adar. We are commanded to be joyous. We are commanded to be joyous! Being joyous does not come instinctively or easily to so many of us. In fact, for many of us, aspiring to be joyous and happy can Continue Reading »
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