So many Jews identify as “secular” or “cultural” and want to take their non-Jewish sweetie to a non-religious Jewish event. That can be done! But keep in mind that many of Judaism’s religious activities have become a part of Jewish culture, like attending a Passover Seder. Is that religious or cultural? Only you can say…
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Can We Color Eggs?
(From Mixed and Matched column March 2015) I’ve received many questions this month about painting eggs. Spring brings Passover and Easter, sometimes right on top of each other. While Jews are focusing on slavery, emancipation and unleavened bread, Easter seems to be focusing on bunnies, candy baskets and egg hunts. The real meaning of the…
Read More »What’s it like to talk to Dawn?
One of the hardest things about getting assistance with your interfaith relationship is making the move to ask for that assistance. What the devil will it be LIKE to talk to someone? I thought it would be helpful for you to hear what other folks have said about the experience of working with me. One…
Read More »Loss of a Pet
In December my sister died. There was Jewish ritual and community to gather around me and comfort me. Just two months later my beloved old dog died. A dear rabbi friend told me, “all deaths will bring up previous losses and these two deaths come very close together. Don’t be surprised if you feel a…
Read More »Where did Purim Carnivals Come From?
Though Purim is a minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, it is widely observed and a favorite of children. According to the scroll of Esther 9:22, we are to observe Purim as a time of “feasting and gladness.” The holiday is marked not only the by reading of the scroll, but by Purim plays (spiels)…
Read More »Orthodox Cousins get little Respect
My Mixed and Matched column for February 2015 is a response to a young woman whose family includes Modern Orthodox cousins and her secular and intermarried relatives. My answer is on the J-Weekly website. She is hurt by the conflict between the adults in her family. For many children, the most important thing is family…
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