A Jew may ask their spouse to agree to have a “Jewish” home. But what does that mean? To a non-Jewish loved one it may simply mean that some of the people in the house identify as Jews. But our partners deserve a more in-depth answer. One Jew may say, a Jewish home has Jewish…
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Yom Kippur and Sukkot
Yom Kippur is not everyone’s favorite Jewish holiday. No food, an ancient liturgy, and a mournful feeling. Let’s have a new take on it. Yom Kippur Tonight is Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement and Repentance. The theme of this holiday is Teshuva. Doing teshuva (often translated as repentance, but literally meaning ‘return’) is…
Read More »The High Holidays bring old traditions and new programs
Here comes 5785! High Holidays Here in America we are tuned into the Gregorian calendar and from that perspective, the High Holidays are VERY late this year. Rosh Hashanah won’t come until October. The last time that happened was 1967! (On the Jewish calendar we are about to begin 5785.) There are a number of…
Read More »Fall 2024 Basic Judaism classes
(Image is of kiddish cups at Afikomen in Berkeley. So beautiful!) Basic Judaism classes are the best way to build your knowledge of Judaism. No matter your level you can profit from having a rabbi teaching you and having a roomful of other adult students to spark your ideas and to share theirs. For an…
Read More »Make Your Own Sukkah Decorations!
Make Your Own Sukkah Decorations Let’s get crafty! Join us to make colorful decorations to hang in the sukkah. We will use a variety of craft materials to create Shalom Stars, Peace chains, and garlands and more. Make one item for the Temple Beth Abraham sukkah and lots more to take home. We will have…
Read More »Judaism: A Tradition of Questions
One of the most attractive elements of Judaism – for both Jews and non-Jews – is the tradition of asking questions. Questions are often followed by an argument that is “for the sake of heaven,” meaning to deepen our understanding, not to defeat the other guy. Whether you are learning about Judaism or teaching someone…
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