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Holidays

Oct 7, 2021

“Growl”: Tips From the Pros for an Easy Yom Kippur Fast

By Mary Klaus

Many Jews say “Tzom Kal” or “Have an Easy Fast” to each other at the start of Yom Kippur.

Sometimes, that’s easier said than done.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, is a day of atonement. Observed ten days after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur this year…

Oct 7, 2021

As we return to public places, Shabbat Shuvah Offers a Chance to Reflect

By Adam Grobman

Each year, the High Holidays mark many Jews return to synagogue after a long absence. This year, that may be true more than usual, with the COVID-19 pandemic keeping many worshippers away and some synagogues closed for much of the past year and a half.

The Shabbat that fall…

Aug 25, 2021

Sounds of Shofar Signal New Beginnings

By Mary Klaus

When Ellis Rosenberg sounds the shofar at Kesher Israel’s Rosh Hashanah services on September 6, he will be focusing on a new beginning.

“The shofar wakes us up figuratively,” said Rosenberg, who has been performing the tradition at Kesher Israel Congregation for forty …

May 5, 2021

Freedom Seder Emphasizes Journey Away From Fear

By Adam Grobman

Racism. Anti-Semitism. Xenophobia.

These are a few of the plagues recognized at the Freedom Seder, an annual interfaith Passover program that brings together leaders, activists, and participants from across the community to “celebrate a joint vision for freedom from oppre…

Dec 11, 2020

Bring Light into the World this Chanukah

By Adam Grobman and Mary Klaus

 

Seven branches or nine? Menorah or Chanukiah? Is one right and one wrong?

If you’re confused about which candelabra to use for Chanukah, you are not alone.

Rabbis agree that the seven-candle Menorah was only used in the Temple in Jerusalem, and that th…