The tendency of many American Jews to attend services only on the High Holidays has created a conundrum for many synagogues over the past century. If they limit attendance to members only, the pay-to-pray model turns people away just when they might be open to letting Judaism into their lives; yet if synagogues open their…
Passover is one of the most compelling Jewish holidays. Jews have struggled to observe it during the most difficult of times and circumstances – whether in grinding poverty, on the battlefields of wars or at the peril of their lives in concentration camps.
Throughout history, humanity has instinctively understood the power of music to heighten emotions. The strident beat of war drums, melodious Torah chants, ethereal church hymns and the ominous rhythm of the Jaws movie theme have all used the language of the soul. Yet Rabbi Alan Berg says that he has never heard a liturgical composition…
Tu B’Shevat, or the New Year of the Trees, is meant to signify a change in season from winter’s cold to the renewal of spring. While it may still be cold and wintery where you live, in Israel the trees are already beginning to blossom. Foods mentioned in the Bible include figs, dates, raisins, pomegranates…
