Posts Tagged ‘High Holidays’
Online Synagogue Connects Jews To Culture And Community
As individuals and families increasingly balance work, social commitments and competing interests both online and offline, traditional activities — including worship in religious institutions — are being left behind. But according to a recent Angus Reid Institute survey, people still want spirituality in their lives: Just 19 percent claim to be non-believers, while 30 percent…
Read MoreCommentary: Reflections on the High Holy Days, 5779
The Kol Nidre service was beautiful, as always. The music was powerful, the sermon inspirational and the warmth of the Temple Israel community was palpable. Everything was just perfect. Kind of. As I took it all in, sitting with my wife, my thoughts drifted once again to the reality in my life that my two…
Read MoreDoing Nothing
On Sunday we celebrated the end of Sukkot, and in the secular world we celebrated the end of the High Holiday season. One month. Very few workdays. Mostly holidays. In Israel, most of the holidays, like a weekend, are days where most businesses are closed and there is no public transportation. Most people do not…
Read MoreEmbracing the Metallic – High Holiday Season
After Orbiting Into A New Year went online two weeks ago, I looked at it and scoffed. I thought, This is a load of crap! No one would want to read this. But after a day or so of feeling worthless, I shared on social media in spite of my self-deprecating thoughts. And when I…
Read MoreRosh Hashanah – Holiday 101
Myjewishlearning.com Did you know these facts about the Jewish New Year? Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, starts at sundown on Sept. 9. It’s known for apples dipped in honey, record synagogue attendance and as the kickoff to the Days of Awe, which culminate on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. We’re guessing that even the most…
Read MoreRecovery Month 2018
September — a month of fresh starts and transitions. Kids (of all ages) going back to school, seasons changing and, for Jews, the High Holiday season with Erev Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 9. September also highlights a different type of fresh start or transition. Since 1989, September has been recognized as National Recovery Month. Sponsored…
Read MoreHorns And More
Rochel Burstyn Contributing Writer Local rabbi shares his collection of shofars to educate others. Many folks are preparing for Rosh Hashanah by dusting their shofars and practicing their blowing, but Rabbi Yehuda Kaplan of Oak Park is not actually a baal tokaya (shofar blower). If he were going to practice blowing all his shofars, it…
Read MoreSet The Tone
Louis Finkelman Contributing Writer Use music to prepare for the High Holidays. Rosh Hashanah is coming soon, and you might not yet have entered the space of the Days of Awe. How can you get into that reflective mood? Thanks to the internet, you can hear the melodies of the Days of Awe in advance.…
Read MoreJewish Paths
Meditation is a way to connect with yourself, others this season. Approaching the High Holiday season, most would not think to bring any meditation or mindfulness skills they learned on a yoga mat or a meditation workshop along to High Holiday services. But Brandon Klein, who left a doctoral program in psychology at Hofstra University…
Read MoreHigh Holiday Greeting: Federation: Coming Together To Strengthen Community
Throughout our history, the Jewish people have proven to be extraordinarily resilient, often in the face of extraordinary challenges. We have persevered and succeeded because, as Rabbi Jonathan Sacks admonished, our capacity to support and care for one another has always far outweighed the impulse to challenge and disagree. Although spirited discussion and debate are…
Read More