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 »Jewish Culture
Death and Shiva (on video)
Sometimes it’s easier to learn about something by watching a video. That can be especially true when the thing you are learning about is a sensitive topic. G-dcast has created a number of videos addressing elements of Jewish life. This one, on Jewish mourning practices, covers the basic issues that you will encounter in regard…
Read More »Greek & Jewish – Stuffed Peppers go Mediterranean
I always check the food column in the J-weekly and am frequently rewarded with something healthy, delicious and kosher. I love Mediterranean food, love bell peppers, mint and chick peas so Josie Shapiro’s Braised Peppers with Turkey and Mint were a big SCORE. A couple friends have already asked for the recipe. Give them a…
Read More »Why is it so hard to find a rabbi for multi-faith wedding?
I received this inquiry recently: Some gay friends wanted a “fully multifaith ceremony.” They felt rejected when no rabbi would agree to co-officiate, but Christian clergy would. I’m not sure how to help them address their feelings in the aftermath. — Sympathetic Friend I answered the question in my monthly Mixed and Matched column for…
Read More »Women in Interfaith Relationships
Women in Interfaith Relationships: A Discussion for Girlfriends, Wives, Partners, Mothers and Grandmothers Join other women, Jewish or not, to examine interfaith relationships in relation to culture and gender. What are the unique expectations and responses that a woman encounters as she creates a home and builds a family life in which her religion is…
Read More »Seders 2015
Passover begins Friday, April 3 at sundown. Most people will be cozily ensconced in a house well before the 7:34pm sunset time. If you are a member of a synagogue and have no where to go for first night you should contact your synagogue’s office. Most shuls are doing seder matching. Almost all the bay…
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