In Jewish practice, the traditional statement upon learning of a death is: ברוך דיין האמת Baruch dayan ha emet Blessed is the true judge Tradition teaches that this statement, “Blessed is the True Judge,” acknowledges death is beyond our understanding. Why there is death, who dies, we cannot grasp. God’s ways are a mystery to us….
Read More »
One of the unique differences between Western/American thought and Jewish thought is that Jews believe you can hold opposing ideas simultaneously. Here’s an example from a local rabbi’s recent email to her congregation. Rabbi Ilana of Beth Jacob Congregation in Redwood City expressed her gratitude and reflected on “where do we find God?” I am moved by…
Read More »
A while ago Rabbi Corey Helfand gave me permission to share his useful explanation of how to attend a shiva. I want to share with you. *** Shiva calls can be hard to make, especially if it is your first time. The information below aims to help prepare you to make a shiva call. Learn how to give…
Read More »
I would love to see you – online! I have this program coming up at the end of January: Creating & Sustaining Jewish Traditions at Home Whether you’re the Jewish parent or the non-Jewish parent, you’re probably busy. That makes integrating Jewish traditions an additional task – and a time consuming one at that! What can you do? What…
Read More »
Did you know that we humans have trouble conceiving of something that doesn’t have a name? Once it is named we build around the word. It doesn’t have to have a single definition, but we do need a centering point. So here’s a fairly new word, Christmakah. I think we are still inventing what it…
Read More »
(Image by Mike from Pixabay) I don’t remember when Christmas last fell on the first night of Hanukkah! While the holidays have overlapped in past years, I don’t remember this configuration. Does this make it EASIER OR HARDER for you? Please let me know because I don’t want to assume. Email me at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org I am betting that some…
Read More »Our weekly email goes out to hundreds of interfaith couples & families in the Bay Area. Topics cover the many questions and mysteries that interfaith couples want answered.