[Photo by Linda Burnett] This Mixed and Matched article was originally published in the J weekly in August 2017. I grew up in an interfaith family that practiced no religion. As an adult I have joined a synagogue and am trying to learn what I missed out on. I have so many questions. Is it…
Read More »Jewish Learning
Basic Judaism – always a good idea
I advocate that every interfaith couple take a class on Judaism together. To the Jewish partner I say, You need to hear what’s being taught. You won’t know it all and you probably haven’t thought about many of these subjects as an adult. I particularly love the Introduction to the Jewish Experience class because it has…
Read More »Is Judaism a Genetic Identity?
With the new availability of DNA research many people are finding that they have some Jewish ancestry. I’ve gotten quite a few emails asking, “Am I Jewish?” And some stating, “I just found out I’m Jewish.” It isn’t that simple. Recently Rabbi Milder of Beth Emek wrote a useful post to help clarify Jewish…
Read More »Let’s go to the Theater: Imaginary Comforts
Once again we go to a local theater production and then take a Jewish look at the play. That won’t be difficult with this comedy from Daniel Handler. See the play before – or after – the class. Imaginary Comforts, or the Story of the Ghost of the Dead Rabbit Join us this fall for…
Read More »Basic Judaism Classes Fall 2017
It is autumn and the Jewish year will start up very shortly. Along with the new year come all the new BASIC Judaism classes. I am listing all those of which I am aware. Do email me (dawn@buildingjewishbridges.org) to tell me of other BAY AREA basic Judaism classes. Introduction to Judaism: Exploring Jewish Beliefs and…
Read More »A Rabbi Reflects on the Gregorian New Year
Rabbi Milder of Beth Emek in Pleasanton sent this email to his congregation. He summarizes the four Jewish new years and considers the meaning of the Gregorian New Year that is observed on Dec. 31. Which New Year Is It? The Mishnah records that there are not one, but actually four new years. The rabbis…
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