From Rabbis to community leaders to philanthropists, it seems we are enamored with outreach and the unaffiliated Jew. Yet, I ask myself: What about those that are already on the 'inside,' practicing Judaism? Are they getting the same care and opportunity? And whose responsibility are they?
My youngest brother always had a spacial place in my heart. I watched him grow through years of yeshiva and then, little by little, as his relationship with Orthodox Judaism shifted and morphed into something that belongs to only him and G-d.
While I had begun to figure out my Judaism in college, Rick had been redeveloping his own Christian faith. I met my wife through this involvement, and now Rick had met his as well.
Rachel exposes herself as she never has before. Through poetry, photography, and an essay, Rachel exposes her fears and journey towards Jewish observance.
When I first met the patient I will call "Jacob", he approached me claiming a need for grief counseling. After the second session, it became apparent that there was more to explore than he had led on.
Tonight, I will wine and dine divine inspiration,
I will start with tremendous illumination.
My rabbi challenged me to write my theology in 100 words. This is both harder and easier than it sounds. I highly recommend the effort.
I had only published a handful controversial articles, but the ones I had published seemed to elicit such huge and negative responses that I wanted out.
I am eight years old, lying in my parents bed. In another room, my parents are arguing. I drift away feeling this was all my fault. That somehow, I am responsible for the pain and rage around me. That somehow, I have to fix things. That somehow, I am only lovable if I am perfect. It's a heavy, heavy burden to bear. And now I am a mother of four, still bearing this weight.
Passover cleaning - Love it or hate it you can't escape it. Might as well make it somethin' sacred.