Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed Archives

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed

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Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed

Rabbi Dr. Karen G Reiss Medwed, works in higher education, as a Senior Assistant Dean for Faculty Affairs and Network Engagement. Dr. Reiss Medwed's scholarship includes understanding the growth of the field of digital education and instruction in higher education, K-12 education and faith-based education. Dr. Reiss Medwed was ordained by JTS in 1995, and earned her Ph.D. from New York University's Steinhardt School of Education in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning with a specialization in Jewish education in 2005. She was a Steinhardt Fellow for the four years of her doctoral studies. She went on to design and develop a Master of Education program in Faith-Based Education at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education. Dr. Medwed has studied the development of innovative practices for digital learning and instruction and leadership in higher education.

Connecting with God Through Prayer

We hear from God through our participation in liturgical prayer, and also through the study of religious texts.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 15, 2023 Every Day Prayer

What is the Shema?

The Shema is the declaration of God’s uniqueness and unity that the Torah commands us to recite twice daily.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 15, 2023 Evening Service (Ma'ariv) Every Day

Overview of the Evening Service

The Evening Service, called Ma’ariv (also called Arvit or spelled Maariv), is slightly longer than the Afternoon Service.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 15, 2023 Evening Service (Ma'ariv) Every Day

Overview of the Afternoon Service

The Afternoon Service, called Minḥah (or Mincha), is much shorter than the Morning Service and has no unique components.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 15, 2023 Afternoon Prayers (Mincha) Every Day

Overview of the Morning Service

Every day of the year, the Morning Service follows some variation of the order of the same Sharcharit prayers.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 15, 2023 Every Day Morning Service (Shacharit)

The First Prayers in the Morning Service

The prayers at the very beginning of the morning service help us to start our day with intention and gratitude.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 11, 2023 Every Day Morning Service (Shacharit)

What is a Kippah?

There is a wide range of specific customs related to the issue of covering the head, including what to cover it with.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 11, 2023 Accessories for Prayer Every Day

What is a Tallit?

The tassels of the Tallit, called tzitzit (or tzitzis) in Hebrew, are explicitly intended to serve as a reminder of God’s commandments.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) May 11, 2023 Accessories for Prayer Every Day

Tefillin: What, How, Who?

Tefillin, ritual black boxes used for prayer, are a powerful and physical way of connecting to God. Here's how to do it.

Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed, The Observant Life (Book) January 25, 2023 Accessories for Prayer Blessings

Prayer Expresses Petition, Praise, Anger, and History

Prayer is not just a recitation of words. But rather, prayer is an expression of a great many modes and experiences in Judaism.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Dr. Karen Reiss Medwed June 29, 2022 Every Day Prayer