Beyond the synagogue, a shofar’s call makes connections

September 21, 2014

By EDMON J. RODMAN

LOS ANGELES (JTA) — In preparation for the High Holidays last year, my community sent its shofar blower on the road.

During the month of Elul, in the run-up to Rosh Hashanah, we are supposed to...

New children’s books: a tale from Spain, easing a young girl’s pain

September 21, 2014

By PENNY SCHWARTZ

BOSTON (JTA) — Fourteen years ago, sitting in her synagogue during Saturday morning services, Jacqueline Jules was browsing some Torah commentary when a story about a medieval poet struck an inspirational chord.

“It was an ‘aha’ moment....

Here’s an easy and pleasing Rosh Hashanah menu

September 21, 2014

By SHANNON SARNA

(MyJewishLearning.com) — When the Jewish New Year comes around, many people stress for weeks leading up to the holiday and break out their most complicated recipes to impress guests. But when I entertain around the holidays, I...

Give up the guilt: A proposal for the New Year

September 21, 2014

By RUTH ABUSCH MAGDER

SAN FRANCISCO (MyJewishLearning.com) — Here is a radical proposal for the New Year: Forget the guilt and instead lean into what you love to become the best possible version of yourself.

The liturgy for the Jewish...

Should young families have to pay to pray?

September 21, 2014

By ADINA KAY-GROSS

NEW YORK (Kveller.com) — Have you heard the one about the young Jewish couple who have a kid while living in a big city and find themselves searching for community around the High Holidays?

You know, the...

Some lessons from the New Year’s texts

September 16, 2014

By ALAN ELSNER

For the past several years, and again this year, I have been honored to be chosen to read the Torah in my synagogue on the first day of Rosh Hashanah – and each year I struggle with...

Succot: Holiday in Hershey Park

September 30, 2013

By TEVI TROY

On the first weekday of chol hamoed Succot, most years, my wife and I take our four children to Hershey Park. The park, which is in Lancaster, PA., is closed to everyone but frum Jews on that...

A Succot message

September 25, 2013

By RABBI JONAH GEFFEN

“All seven days one makes his sukkah permanent and his home temporary.” (Mishnah Sukkah 2:9)

Succot is a holiday that is centered on the little structures we build and eat and sleep in for a week...

Mass gathering celebrates Succot priestly blessing at Western Wall

September 22, 2013

JERUSALEM (JTA) — Some 80,000 men gathered at the Western Well for the priestly blessing for Succot during holiday prayer services.

Some 100 kohanim, or high priests, blessed the men on Sunday morning,  according to a statement issued by the...

Succot at a glance

September 18, 2013

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 CHABAD LUBAVITCH (Uptown) – Succot under the Stars 7:30 p.m. CHABAD CENTER OF METAIRE – Candle lighting 6:45 p.m.; Program 7:30 p.m. CONGREGATION ANSHE SFARD –  Candle Lighting 6:44 p.m. CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL – Mincha/Maariv services at...