It’s Coming
Look ahead to March 1, 2013, and make plans to attend Shabbat Across America/Canada at a location near you.
Seek Out The Positive
An ethical dilemma: A close friend confides in you that he/she recently purchased an expensive, one-of-a-kind, nonreturnable item. When he/she shows it to you, you are immediately aware…
Chanukah Decor, Part Three
Jewish Treats and NJOP present a series of design ideas that will help you create an inspirational Chanukah motif in your own home.
Lighting The Way To Peace
The very last act performed before bringing Shabbat into the home is the lighting of the Shabbat candles. While this mitzvah is considered one of the three primary mitzvot of a Jewish…
Sorcerers Beware
In Sanhedrin 67b, Rabbi Ashi states that he saw “Karna’s father blow his nose violently and streamers of silk issued from his nostrils.” Some magic tricks really do stem from ancient…
L’Chaim
Fiddler on the Roof made the Jewish drinking toast “L’Chaim” - To Life! - famous. Where does the phrase come from? Why do Jews say “To life!” when drinking? Many concepts in Judaism can…
Intentions Matter
Halacha (Jewish Law) can be defined, literally, as “the way of walking” or “the path.” This single word defines Judaism’s unique legal system. Some paths are straight, others bend. So…
Avinu – Our Father
One of the most common ways of addressing God in the Jewish liturgy is Avinu, our Father. By addressing God as Avinu, one can not only learn about humanity’s relationship with God, but…
The Blessings of the Amidah: Redemption of the Jewish People
The nineteen blessings of the Amidah make up the core of the Jewish prayer service. The fifteenth blessing continues to focus on the future redemption as it beseeches God to send the…
The Morning Blessings-Blessing #12: Every Step
Every morning, a set of 15 blessings is recited to express our thanks to God for all the things that we, as healthy human beings, are capable of doing. Ba’ruch Ah’tah Ah’doh’nai…