Judaica definition: any object, artifact, or text related to Judaism, encompassing religious books, ceremonial items, artworks, and historical materials and covers a wide range of items from ancient manuscripts and Torah scrolls to modern pieces of jewelry and decorative art. Join me for a tour of our local Jewish store, Afikomen Judaica, in Berkeley. We’ll…
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The ancient text of the Torah can seem antiquated and out of date. Torah portions like this week’s, P’kudei, which details of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) appear at first reading to be utterly useless. Who cares how a now destroyed building was put together? But as any rabbi will tell you, there is…
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Has anyone mentioned that Life is Hard? Yeah, I thought so. But we are now in the month of Adar. The Talmud states that Jews are to “increase our joy” during this month. We are urged to find happiness and celebration. So where does happiness come from and can we “pursue” it? According to the…
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A Jew may ask their spouse to agree to have a “Jewish” home. But what does that mean? To a non-Jewish loved one it may simply mean that some of the people in the house identify as Jews. But our partners deserve a more in-depth answer. One Jew may say, a Jewish home has Jewish…
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(Image: Rabbi Jonathan Prosnit of Beth Am teaching kids) You’ve no doubt heard the saying, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do’. This phrase dates back to the 4th century of the Common Era, but has remained in use because it continues to be relevant. When do you do things “your way” and when…
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(Photo: Entryway to Beth Sholom) Rabbi Amanda Russell of Congregation Beth Sholom in San Francisco wrote an email to her congregants. She acknowledged their fears. Then she offered a small simple teaching that all of us can do. Look for her suggestion of how to help at the end of her letter. (Thank you Rabbi…
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.