One of the most attractive elements of Judaism – for both Jews and non-Jews – is the tradition of asking questions. Questions are often followed by an argument that is “for the sake of heaven,” meaning to deepen our understanding, not to defeat the other guy. Whether you are learning about Judaism or teaching someone…
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(Photo credit Shannon Sarna from the My Jewish Learning website) I’m not big on chocolate, but… I’m well aware that most people’s favorite flavor is CHOCOLATE. With that in mind I want to send you a Double Chocolate Chip Challah recipe. Could be good for Shabbat. Jews Indigenous to the Middle East How much do you…
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Rabbi Tarfon compared the Jewish people to a pile of walnuts. “If one walnut is removed, each and every nut in the pile is shaken and disturbed. So too, when a single Jew is in distress, every other Jew is shaken.” (Midrash – Shir HaShirim Raba 6:11) I’ve been receiving emails since October 7 from…
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“Judaism is a communal tradition.” But what does that mean? Living in America which has an individualist tradition it can be difficult to fully understand what “communal” means. You can be WHATEVER you want in the privacy of your own home, but to join with a community requires compromise. I urge couples and families to find a…
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Sunday, May 5 is Yom HaShoah, Remembrance Day for the Holocaust. In this time of spiking anti-Semitism it is especially painful to concentrate on the desire to destroy all Jews. Perhaps you can only light a candle at home, perhaps you are afraid to be in a group of Jews – that is human and…
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Time to plan where you’ll have Seder! At a community Seder, someone else’s home, or your home? Rarely are community Seders on the FIRST night of Passover. But if you don’t have time or an invitation it’s a lovely, easy way to share the event. Here’s a list of Bay Area Community Seders compiled by…
Read More »Our weekly email goes out to hundreds of interfaith couples & families in the Bay Area. Topics cover the many questions and mysteries that interfaith couples want answered.