Three children walk up to a rabbi after services, requesting to speak with him. The oldest, almost eleven, speaks for the other two nine year olds. With maturity and poise, she explains that each Shabbat and during other holy days and regular days, the three of them put tzedakah into their tzedakah box. It is …
I’ve been thinking a lot about God again. Perhaps it is because I am about to spend a week at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality‘s Hevraya retreat for Rabbis and Cantors. Perhaps it is because we will be talking about God and how we see God at Adult Study Shabbat services this Friday night. More …
Our world is changing… will our synagogues keep up? My kids’ world is different than mine. They email, text, ichat (though my son told me this morning that skype has better video), facebook, watch tv, play video games and still seem to get their homework done. My wife tells me that they cannot focus as …
There is a wide world of Jewish blogging out there. Jewish bloggers are commenting on everything from spirituality and ritual, to Israel and the Middle East, to politics and prayer. They are often the first ones with up to the minute commentary on Jewish issues of the day; clearly the best source for what is …
For years I have been studying Torah weekly with one or two Chevruta (study) partners through the Institute of Jewish Spirituality (IJS). I have studied with a Reconstructionist Rabbi from Cleveland (Steve Segar), a Conservative Rabbi from Portland (Dan Isaak), a Reconstructionist Rabbi from Malibu (Judith HaLevy), and for years, a Reform Rabbi from Los …
At Or Ami, we celebrate diversity; we embrace those with special needs. Thus we were pleased to read that an Alameda woman’s efforts yield Jewish prayer book in Braille. As Marta Yamamoto writes: It’s true — one individual’s efforts can succeed in benefiting many. Thanks to the efforts of Alameda resident Toby Berger, solving the …
As we prepare for Shabbat, for relaxation, spirituality and community, we take a moment to recognize that there are some who would like to dictate how all Jews should celebrate this holy day. In Israel, some ultra-orthodox are pressuring the Israeli government to transform Israel’s holiest religious sites into orthodox synagogues, excluding progressive Jewish women. …
According to JTA, Israeli police questioned a prominent Reform movement activist in connection with the wearing of prayer shawls by women at the Western Wall. Anat Hoffman, the director of the Israel Religious Action Center, said she was fingerprinted Tuesday and that her case was being referred to the attorney general for prosecution. Hoffman was …
Written by Michelle November and Paul Kipnes on a New Year’s road trip up north. Five years ago, at the request of our children’s paternal grandparents Papa and Lala, we took our 20%-off coupons to Bed, Bath and Beyond and purchased seven trifle bowls. At the time, we didn’t even know what a trifle was. …
Our Or Ami board explored the intersection between innovtion and tradition by looking at four teachings and deriving lessons about them.We discussed:1. What do these texts teach us about tradition and change, stagnation and innovation?2. What lessons might Or Ami take from these texts?The Hungarian halachic authority of two centuries ago, Rabbi Moses Sofer insisted …
What happens when you bring together 150 Reform Jewish rabbis under one roof? Study, collegiality, strategizing, pedagogy, thinking about synagogue life and Jewish community, best practices sharing and more.Specifically:– a discussion about the narratives behind the Mishnah (Jewish legal compilation) or how do real life concerns inform the Jewish legal discussions – with HUC's Director …
Our religious communities should never fall into the pattern depicted above. And they do not have to do so… When the author of the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes complains ein chadash tachat hashamayim – there is nothing new under the sun, he seems to express a disappointment, even frustration, perhaps with the stagnant routine into …
Our Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism (RAC) in Washington DC represents our progressive Jewish values in our nation’s capital. They educate, raise awareness, explain Jewish values regarding current issues, and help local congregations engage their Congresspeople on issues of concern. They also write an engaging RACblog. RAC Press Secretary Kate Bigam wrote their List …
As 2010 is underway, we have a 5 hour drive remaining from Palo Alto to home, so we tale this time to enumerate the blessings and joys of 2009:We Still have 4 grandparents who have very close relationships with our kids.We still in love and enjoy being married to each other.We still have 3 wonderful …