This is a very hard four years facing us. The way to survive is to stay focused and plan how we will uphold our values. Do you want to protect immigrants, trans folks, minorities? Many of the synagogues have stepped up their activism. Surviving as a Trans Individual If you love someone who is trans (including…
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Are you the child of an interfaith couple? If you answered “yes” then you have unique understanding of this little-discussed topic. As this section of the Jewish population grows it is time to share what you know. Join us for Do You Have One Jewish Parent Do you see yourself as Jewish, half-Jewish, part Jewish,…
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It’s almost February and we’re looking ahead to Tu B’shvat! Tu B’shvat – The Birthday of the Trees/Fruit You’ll immediately see from the list of coming events that Tu B’shvat (also Tu Bishvat) is on the horizon. It begins at sundown on February 12th. One of my sternest rules for myself is that I give you a…
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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….
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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…
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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 »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.