This year Purim begins March 6th. A Purim custom that I have seen consistently observed in the more traditional movements of Judaism is the practice of giving food gifts, Mishloach Manot, to friends and acquaintances. It’s sort of the reverse of Halloween. Instead of getting goodies, you give them. Like any new behavior it can…
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My son pulled out a new box of Hanukkah candles, examined them and proclaimed, “These are not going to fit in the Hanukkiah.” So I had to laugh when I read Rabbi Larry Milder‘s email to his congregation, Beth Emek, the very next morning titled, The Candles Don’t Fit in the Menorah. Here’s what he…
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Rabbi Larry Milder of Beth Emek recently sent this explanation to his congregation. It’s a useful, brief history telling us why we light an additional candle each night of Hanukkah instead of the reverse. Increasing the Light in Dark Times Most Jews are accustomed to lighting Hanukkah candles by adding one candle to the…
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(Image from the SF Chronicle) Rabbi Chai Levy sent her congregation, Netivot Shalom, this email as we begin Sukkot and it spoke to my heart. Sukkot is my favorite holiday and I have to forgo it this year – at least in the ways I usually celebrate. There’s a Talmudic debate about the biblical mitzvah…
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I LOVE Sukkot and I’ve endeared myself to many children by having edible sukkah-making as a regular part of my Sukkot parties. You can do this will a party crowd or just your own family – or even just you! Sweet Edible Sukkah for Kids (and some grownups!) Graham crackers for the walls…
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Today I received this beautiful message, sent to the members of B’nai Tikvah by their rabbi, Rabbi Jennie Chabon. I’m sharing her words with you because we are all challenged by these hard times and are grieved to not be able to be together for the High Holy Days. *** The smoke is less intense…
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