Having a chuppah is a beautiful Jewish custom. Chuppah, חוּפָּה in Hebrew means “covering”. On ReformJudaism.org, Rabbi Victor Appell describes the chuppah this way. The canopy under which Jewish couples stand when they are married is called a chuppah. The chuppah represents the new home a couple establishes through their marriage. It also represents the…
Read More »Blog
Culturally Jewish
Cultural Jews “I’m culturally Jewish.” How many times have I heard this? Too many to count. What does it mean? It means different things to different people. The common thread is, “I don’t believe in God.” Let’s not even go into what “God” means; let’s jump right to what does “cultural” mean? For the non-Jewish…
Read More »Let’s Go to the Movies!
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is in its 35 year. Building Jewish Bridges is delighted to be a co-presenter of the following films at this year’s festival. Dough Food has always represented more than sustenance in Jewish culture, and its transformative power is on display in this delightful British dramedy which unites a widowed…
Read More »Get Your Culture on this Summer!
I’m reading a wonderful book, The Mathematician’s Shiva. Of course, it’s about Jews – but also other Russians, Poles, Americans, scientists and more. I love the underlining Jewishness of the characters and I really love that it is not about the Holocaust. There is so much more to Judaism than misery and murder. Which leads…
Read More »Marriage Equality is about Civil Marriages & it’s HERE!
What great timing! Last night I received the last email from my list of San Francisco bay area non-Orthodox rabbis replying to my question, “Do you officiate at same sex weddings for two Jews?” It was my belief that they all did. But I was challenged by a colleague who said that just wasn’t true….
Read More »Coming this Fall: Do you have one Jewish Parent?
As I continue my work with adults who have grown up in an interfaith home I’m looking forward to another dynamic discussion. Do you have something to add to the conversation? Please come! This class isn’t online yet but you can email me (dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org) and let me know that you’re interested. Do You Have One…
Read More »