Holidays
What Do We Want?
Everyone always asks us for more. Everyone wants more. But what is the ONE thing we all seek and truly need?
This year, the one thing we truly want is to be together. We want to dwell, share, pray and sing. We want to be with each other.
5 Ways to Raise a Jew-By-Choice
Remember those peanut butter commercials from the 90’s that told us “choosy moms choose Jif”? What does it mean to be “choosy”? Choice is not just about having options; it’s about exploring, engaging, and eventually committing to something that is meaningful.
Originally published on Kveller 6/10/2016
So, What Exactly Is Tisha B’Av?
If you ever attended a Jewish camp, you might remember this day as one that lasted forever and left a sour taste (food pun intended) in your mouth.
Why I’ll Send My Son with Fragile X to School on Sukkot
I am sending my 5-year-old son to school on the holy days of Sukkot. It will be the first time we’ve ever done this, and the decision is killing me.
Originally published on Kveller 10/14/2016
Returning To The Pulpit, With Gratitude
Last Rosh HaShanah, I heard the shofar blasts in my kitchen, when my rabbi (who is also my mentor and friend) came over in the afternoon of the first day of the holiday, shofar in hand.
Originally published in the Jewish Week 9/28/2016
Shabbatoween 2014: Keeping it Neighborly and Making it Jewish
How do I undo what I've done to Halloween? I don't want him to participate in trick-or-treating, but there should be joy in helping others to celebrate their holidays (like wishing other people a Merry Christmas). Perhaps it's time to start a new Halloween tradition -- even in this rabbi's home.