American culture is one of individual RIGHTS. Jewish tradition is one of individual RESPONSIBILITY. At the time of America’s founding our forefathers were leaving behind governments that oppressed them; rights were central to their thinking. Responsibility was already internalized. In modern times we’ve gone over the edge with personal rights and no longer give much thought to…
Read More »
Rabbi Tarfon compared the Jewish people to a pile of walnuts. “If one walnut is removed, each and every nut in the pile is shaken and disturbed. So too, when a single Jew is in distress, every other Jew is shaken.” (Midrash – Shir HaShirim Raba 6:11) I’ve been receiving emails since October 7 from…
Read More »
“Judaism is a communal tradition.” But what does that mean? Living in America which has an individualist tradition it can be difficult to fully understand what “communal” means. You can be WHATEVER you want in the privacy of your own home, but to join with a community requires compromise. I urge couples and families to find a…
Read More »
Sunday, May 5 is Yom HaShoah, Remembrance Day for the Holocaust. In this time of spiking anti-Semitism it is especially painful to concentrate on the desire to destroy all Jews. Perhaps you can only light a candle at home, perhaps you are afraid to be in a group of Jews – that is human and…
Read More »
Just a few days till Passover. Plan ahead so you don’t drive yourself crazy. Passover Tips I’ve come across so many wonderful ideas, resources and activities! I’m just going to make a list of them all. Send a free Passover e-card from the Reform Judaism site. Personalized Passover Place Cards – This woman offers loads of downloadable (not…
Read More »
Time to plan where you’ll have Seder! At a community Seder, someone else’s home, or your home? Rarely are community Seders on the FIRST night of Passover. But if you don’t have time or an invitation it’s a lovely, easy way to share the event. Here’s a list of Bay Area Community Seders compiled by…
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.