I attended a program of remembrance for our hostages last night. Several people spoke of individuals they had lost on October 7th. There were many tears. We must let the grief out. Yet, we are just beginning the holiday of Sukkot, which has been called the Season of our Joy. We will try to shift and…
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One of the unique differences between Western/American thought and Jewish thought is that Jews believe you can hold opposing ideas simultaneously. Here’s an example from a local rabbi’s recent email to her congregation. Rabbi Ilana of Beth Jacob Congregation in Redwood City expressed her gratitude and reflected on “where do we find God?” I am moved by…
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Dear Life, Slow down! The High Holidays followed quickly by Sukkot and Simchat Torah always make me a little crazed. MASSIVE CELEBRATIONS! My synagogue’s sukkah went up the day after Yom Kippur and the next day mine went up. One of the nice things about Sukkot is that it lasts 8 days (here in the USA)….
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Yom Kippur is not everyone’s favorite Jewish holiday. No food, an ancient liturgy, and a mournful feeling. Let’s have a new take on it. Yom Kippur Tonight is Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement and Repentance. The theme of this holiday is Teshuva. Doing teshuva (often translated as repentance, but literally meaning ‘return’) is…
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Make Your Own Sukkah Decorations Let’s get crafty! Join us to make colorful decorations to hang in the sukkah. We will use a variety of craft materials to create Shalom Stars, Peace chains, and garlands and more. Make one item for the Temple Beth Abraham sukkah and lots more to take home. We will have…
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You know what they say – be careful what you wish for! Well, I asked my friend and fellow J-weekly columnist, Faith Kramer, if she had any special recipes for Sukkot. OH MY GOSH! She sent me too many to share all of them. I’ll share some here and you are free to visit her…
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