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Who Shouldn’t Fast (and who should)

I love this directive from Rabbi Milder about Who Shouldn’t Fast.  Stop worrying and be healthy! Who Shouldn’t Fast (and Who Should) Fasting is a central feature of Yom Kippur observance. But there are some people who should not fast: Pregnant women Anyone with diabetes Anyone taking medications that require food or liquids Anyone who…

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G’mar Chatima Tova

Dear Friends, This evening is Kol Nidre, the beginning of the 24 hours of Yom Kippur. If memory serves, it is the MOST attended Jewish service by American Jews. If you can’t make it to a physical Jewish space there are a number of online options. Just do a Google search and choose one. Quite…

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Looking to the coming year: 5786 — Could you use some wisdom?

As we stand on the threshold of Rosh Hashanah it seems rather perfect that a brilliant Jewish teacher, Robert Reich, will be speaking about on Wednesday, September 24 in Redwood City. He will be in conversation with journalist, Angie Coiro from Kepler’s Books. Here’s the description of his talk: From political economist, cabinet member, beloved professor,…

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Exploring Judaica for Your Home: A Fieldtrip to Afikomen

Judaica definition: any object, artifact, or text related to Judaism, encompassing religious books, ceremonial items, artworks, and historical materials and covers a wide range of items from ancient manuscripts and Torah scrolls to modern pieces of jewelry and decorative art. Join me for a tour of our local Jewish store, Afikomen Judaica, in Berkeley. We’ll…

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9/11 and Be true to Yourself

Twenty four years ago we all stood in shock as we took in the images of planes crashing into American buildings. I texted a NY friend this morning just to say, I know this day is still hard for you. She worked next to one of the towers, ran down many flights of stairs, fled…

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What Does Judaism Teach about Atheists?

I have known many atheists, some are beloved friends and family members. I am blessed to be Jewish and to have a teaching that does not ask me to condemn their belief. A rabbi told me this story as we were walking around Lake Merritt in Oakland many years ago. I have looked for its…

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