Veiled Meanings From the Collection of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Clothing exists to cover our bodies, but it can also uncover latent histories and personal narratives. To what extent does our choice of dress suggest individual taste or reflect influences from our surroundings? The variety of costumes displayed in this exhibition attests to the diversity of…
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Each week synagogues read the weekly Torah portion and rabbis seek modern meaning in ancient words. This week Rabbi Chester, interim rabbi at Temple Isaiah this year, used the portion to look at our modern political situation. It’s worth reading. Parshat Toldot: Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 I am one who believes that some things…
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Last week I asked folks on my email list, how are you doing after the Pittsburgh shooting. This reply did not surprise me, “I’m crying a lot.” For some people this tragedy stood alone and stark. For others it added to other troubles in their lives. I asked the people on my list of Seekers and Jews…
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I have a friend who is an Orthodox Jew and her favorite non-Jewish holiday is Halloween. She loves the colors, the decorations, the candy, the spiders, etc. She could choose to be Reform and go with the whole, “It is just an American holiday. No big deal. It’s just letting kids have fun and eat…
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Rabbi Larry Milder of Beth Emek in Pleasanton addressed this question in an email to his members. I like his very through answer and I’m sharing it with you here. Tallit in the Morning You walk into the synagogue for services and see a basket of tallitot, prayer shawls. Do you pick one up?…
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The women at Beth Emek asked me for a program on Jewish conversations. With the excellent suggestions from their leader this is what we came up with. Note: you can request a program for your synagogue or Jewish group that is shaped to your interests and needs. Jewish Conversation or Competition? Do you ever…
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