Here’s a handy short description that B’nai Tikvah of Walnut Creek sent out. It’s a bit small but click on it and it will expand.
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Will you have a Chuppah for your Wedding?
Having a chuppah or wedding canopy is not a Jewish requirement; in other words it is not stipulated in Jewish law. It is, however, a Jewish custom and very lovely. The traditional chuppah has four portable poles and a piece of cloth hanging attached at the four corners to the poles. You can use a…
Read More »No Follow Thru on Raising Jewish Kids
I’ve begun writing a column, Mixed and Matched, for the local San Francisco Bay Area Jewish newspaper, the J-Weekly. My first column is No Follow-through on Agreement to Raise Jewish Kids. A Jewish father wrote to me: I’m Jewish, my wife is not. I told her before we got married that I wanted our kids…
Read More »Basic Judaism classes beginning January 2014
Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to learn more about Judaism? Intro to Judaism classes are great for interfaith couples — take the class together –they stimulate good discussions, answer questions and you’ll get to know other interesting people. Jump in! Exploring Judaism This course is a year-long exploration of the history, beliefs, traditions,…
Read More »Introduction to the Jewish Experience: Israel and Texts
The land of Israel has been central to Jewish history, both ancient and modern. Even during the years of galut (exile) the Jewish heart was “in the east,” in the words of medieval poet Yehudah HaLevy. This class will examine the history of ancient Israel, the beginnings of rabbinic Judaism, and the modern return to…
Read More »Writing Your Ethical Will (clarifying your common goals)
An ethical will is not a legal document and does not distribute material goods. It is a means by which you can share your values, blessings, hopes and dreams for the future of your loved ones. Ethical wills are not new. References to this tradition are found in Torah (Genesis 18:19) and in other cultures….
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