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…
Read More »A meaningful life
Don’t Orthodox Jews HAVE to fast on Yom Kippur?
Some Jews are commanded NOT TO FAST. Thus, the local Orthodox shul, Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, has sent out this reminder to their members several times in the last couple weeks. Location for Medically Required Food and Nursing Mothers: While the holiest day of the year involves five forms of physical restriction (see below for…
Read More »From Me to You with Gratitude
I stumbled upon an email dated Sept. 5, 2006 from my beloved friend, Rosanne. Dear Dawn, Your message for the High Holy Days touched me in many ways. My kids have often teased me as I point out the beauty of nature in the little way you talked about. And each day it is important…
Read More »Jewish Values in the Political Arena
This has been a very tough June. Scary to see our rights crumbling and our children taken. But as we approach the excitement of the Pride weekend and the peace of Shabbat several rabbis have shared thoughtful messages that I want to share with all of you. From Rabbi Gershon Albert of Beth Jacob Congregation…
Read More »The Best Program Ideas Come from Participants!
I find that YOU ALL come up with terrific ideas for topics and events. I’m asking each of you to share your thoughts on questions you’d like to have answered, Jewish skills you’d like to learn, topics you want to explore, events you’d like to attend together. The sky’s the limit; suggest anything that moves…
Read More »Turkeys for God
Rabbi Milder of Beth Emek in Pleasanton sent out this delightful message to his congregants. I simply HAD to share it with you. There are so many great things in it. 1. There’s a lovely blessing to say at your Thanksgiving table. (Below in italics) 2. There’s the delightful learning about the meaning of a…
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