Blog

Introduction to Judaism: Winter 2024

It’s been a difficult few months so we have to be patient with each other. I have gathered some Basic Judaism classes that will begin next week in January. I’ll add what others come my way. If YOUR synagogue is offering a class and you don’t see it here, please email me the details at dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org…

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(Jewish) Life with Children

(Jewish) Life with Children A common question posed to interfaith couples is, “How will you raise the kids”? When the reply is “Jewish”, what does that mean?  So many engaged non-Jews lovingly say, sure, we can raise the kids Jewish. But I find that it is rare that the Jew has explained what that means…

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The Best Gift is You

The 2023 Winter Solstice began at 7:27pm last night. No matter your religious tradition we all live on the same planet and those of us in the northern hemisphere have reached the darkest point of the year. For a few days the amount of daylight will remain the same and then, gradually, the minutes of…

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Hanukkah! Making it FUN for all

(Image: Beth Emek’s Hanukkah celebration from 2 years ago.) PLEASE Join me Monday evening, Dec. 4, for a discussion of making the most of Hanukkah – for kids, but also for adults! See details below and here. In this time of darkness – literal and metaphorical – it is up to us to bring light and comfort….

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Making the Most of Hanukkah for Children

Christmas is a humongous holiday and Hanukkah, juxtaposed to it, is relatively minor. Should we emphasize its minimal status? Should we pull out all the plugs and paint the house blue? What’s the best way to support a Jewish child who may or may not be celebrating Christmas? Join me, Dawn, on Monday evening, December…

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Sanity savers: Crafting and Community

(Image: Cards made by participants at workshops) Did you know that crafts like knitting, cooking and gardening act on your brain very much like meditation? It transitions you to a state of calm and creative focus. It can be a sanity saver. Can we get crafty about Jewish holidays? There are a lot of people like me…

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