When a man converts to Judaism he must consider whether he will have a ritual circumcision or the ceremony of Hatafat Dam (the ritual drawing of a drop of blood). These procedures bring up a lot of confusion, concern, and even fear. This program will clear up myths and answer questions such as: Why does…
Read More »Jewish Learning
Jewish New Years (yes, plural)
Time is a human construct. If you read Jewish wisdom you will learn that God exists outside of time. How does this work? I don’t know, since I am time-bound it is hard to grasp. Think of it as if you are a goldfish in a bowl and God is oxygen – existing in the…
Read More »Spring 2013 – Introduction to Judaism classes
Start 2013 off with some learning! Did you know that more Americans start a new class in January than any other month of the year? Including September. It is a time for fresh starts. I’m going to start listing the class options so you can find one near you. Check back to see what’s been…
Read More »Halloween and Jews
Can Jews celebrate Halloween? I’m wondering if this question just got you hot under the collar. Just stop for a moment and check your emotions… is this a question that gets you upset? I’ve been reading about this topic online this week and there seem to be a number of people for whom this topic,…
Read More »Was that God?
The April that my son was eight years old we were preparing for Passover. My husband and kids had searched the house for chametz (the crumbs of leavening). Tradition says that you burn the chametz. So my husband put a strip of aluminum foil over the gas stove’s burner and turned on the flame. The…
Read More »Talking to Children About God
Join Rabbi Straus and other parents to explore children’s concepts of God. Should parents open a conversation about God or wait for children to ask questions? What if you don’t believe in God but your spouse does? What should you say about what they are being taught in Religious School? What if you and your…
Read More »