Category: Holidays

They're Home and We are Starting the Torah Anew

They’re Home and We are Starting the Torah Anew

We are preparing to conclude our high holiday season with Simchat Torah – the celebration of completing the Torah reading cycle. One of the curious ...
October 13, 2025 Holidays Israel

Where Is God During The Season Of Our Gladness

Balancing mourning and joy, celebration and grief, can be difficult and we wonder where is God during the Season of our Gladness—holidays?
October 10, 2025 Holidays Israel

The Holiday You’ve Never Heard Of: Why Shmini Atzeret Matters

You might not have heard of Shmini Atzeret, but here's why it matters and what new meaning you can gain from it.
October 10, 2025 Death and Dying High Holidays

Etrog Marmalade as an Environmentally Friendly Endeavor: Interview with Nadia Schapiro

Shared through an interview with Nadia Schapiro, learn about making etrog marmalade as an environmentally friendly endeavor.
October 10, 2025 Climate and Environment Food

Sukkot: Basking in Our Impermanence

As echoed in Kohelet and the use of the temporary structure, the sukkah, on Sukkot, we bask in our impermanence.
October 10, 2025 High Holidays Holidays

Sukkot: The Feast of Finger Food and Hidden Blessings

We eat together on Sukkot but what do we eat? Some have the tradition to eat foods with fillings: Finger foods and hidden blessings, with ...
October 5, 2025 Food Holidays

What Sukkot Teaches About Joy

As we enter into the time of Sukkot, we can take the time to learn and teach about the joy that celebrating the holiday can ...
October 3, 2025 Holidays Israel

Sukkot Are Temporary Shelters For Peace

In a reflection before Sukkot and the anniversary of October 7, this author views Sukkot as temporary shelters for peace and what we need now. ...
October 3, 2025 Holidays Israel

Balancing Pain and Celebration: Sukkot Message 5786

As we reach Sukkot and the anniversary of October 7, Jacob Blumenthal provides a message about balancing pain and celebration.
October 3, 2025 Holidays Israel

Dancing on Your Behalf

When hakafot are impossible on Simchat Torah, especially during war, there is an alternative, a way to dance on someone else's behalf.
October 3, 2025 Holidays Israel

How Prayer Can Change Us

From the Haftarah for Rosh Hashanah, taken from the Book of Samuel, we learn how prayer can change us, especially as we view Hannah's role. ...
October 1, 2025 Holidays Neviim (Prophets)

The Imperfectness of Humans and the Binding of Isaac

The Torah reading for Rosh Hashanah, in Genesis, tells the story of the binding of Isaac, telling us about the imperfectness of humans.
October 1, 2025 Holidays Parashat Vayera

Transformation in the New Year: Would You Become a Vampire?

The answer to the question "Would you become a vampire?" can be a framework to transformation in the New Year, starting at Rosh Hashanah.
September 30, 2025 Holidays Rosh Hashanah

The Break of the Fast: A Journey Through Tradition and Transformation

As we approach Yom Kippur, we look at a journey through tradition and transformation and how we break a fast.
September 29, 2025 Holidays What is Yom Kippur?

Finding my Soul in my Body on Rosh HaShana

In preparation for Rosh HaShana, explore more about the binding of Isaac and understanding how that impacts the exploration of the body, soul, and trans ...
September 22, 2025 Holidays Parashat Vayera

The Last Step: Elul 29

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 22, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Nine Symbols to Bring Blessings to Your Rosh HaShanah Table

Some follow the tradition to conduct a seder for Rosh HaShanah. Here is an explanation of the symbols involved in the practice.
September 21, 2025 High Holidays Holidays

Number Our Days: Elul 28

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 21, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

One Day One People: Elul 27

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 19, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Renewal Through Memory: Elul 26

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 19, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Same, but Different: Elul 25

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 18, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Leave Nothing to Chance?

Between Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, we cannot leave anything to chance but we must leave room for God.
September 17, 2025 High Holidays Holidays

Choosing Love: Elul 24

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 17, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Dreaming Bigger: Inspiring Growth and Change in 5786

Shanah Tovah USYers, As we step into the new year of 5786, I want to wish each and every one of you a sweet, meaningful, ...
, September 16, 2025 High Holidays Holidays

High Holiday Message 5786

Dear Friends: I’ve experienced earthquakes twice in my life, and though fortunately they were both mild, I found each experience remarkably terrifying. Supposedly, there is ...
September 16, 2025 Elul Holidays

Strengthen the Heart: Elul 23

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 16, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

The Thread of Continuity: Elul 22

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 15, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Practice Gratitude: Elul 21

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 14, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Opening the Gates: Elul 20

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 13, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Authenticity Takes Courage: Elul 19

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 12, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Bound Together: Elul 18

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 11, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

The Body Speaks: Elul 17

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 10, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Crowning the Year: Elul 16

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 9, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Soften the Heart: Elul 15

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 8, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Teshuvah’s Steps: Elul 14

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 7, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Love as Responsibility: Elul 13

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 6, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

One Thing I Ask: Elul 12

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 5, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

The Sound You Avoid: Elul 11

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 4, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Kabbalat Shabbat: Seeking Stability in College

After a discordant summer and the unknowns of college, Amelia Mae Heller finds stability in the routine of Kabbalat Shabbat.
September 3, 2025 Community Erev Shabbat

One Small Act: Elul 10

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 3, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Whole Self: Elul 9

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 2, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Stronger Together: Elul 8

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, September 1, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions

Stand Bare: Elul 7

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, August 31, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions
A New World: Elul 6

A New World: Elul 6

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, August 30, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions
Practicing Compassion: Elul 5

Practicing Compassion: Elul 5

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, August 29, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions
One Repair: Elul 4

One Repair: Elul 4

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, August 28, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions
Belovedness: Elul 3

Belovedness: Elul 3

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, August 27, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions
Fear in the Light: Elul 2

Fear in the Light: Elul 2

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, August 26, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions
The First Blast: Elul 1

The First Blast: Elul 1

Daily Elul kavanot: Short intentions guiding reflection, teshuvah, and spiritual renewal in preparation for the High Holidays.
, August 25, 2025 Elul Elul Intentions
No Cholent Thursdays: A Breakdown

No Cholent Thursdays: A Breakdown

What does eating cholent on a Thursday, Tisha B'av, Shabbat, and Jewish law have in common? This might surprise you.
July 25, 2025 Erev Shabbat Food

Cholent: A Dish of Religious Creativity (And a Recipe)

Cholent (and its many variations) trace back to ancient Jewish traditions designed to provide a hot meal for Shabbat.
July 24, 2025 Erev Shabbat Food
The Why of Torah is Torah: Our Need for Torah Lishmah

The Why of Torah is Torah: Our Need for Torah Lishmah

Torah Lishmah or How can we take Torah out of the capitalist framework we live in that pushes us to use all our time “productively?” 
May 29, 2025 Holidays Learning
Pathways of Torah: Tiny Tikkun 5785

Pathways of Torah: Tiny Tikkun 5785

This Tiny Tikkun is a collection of pathways. Each source sheet offers a journey, learn them in order or wherever you feel drawn.
May 28, 2025 Holidays Shavuot
Devastation and Joy: AI and the Soul of Torah

Devastation and Joy: AI and the Soul of Torah

We learn Torah because it gives us purpose and mitzvot, AI tools can help that, but it cannot replace it or our humanity.
May 21, 2025 Holidays Learning
Torah as Inspiration for Life

Torah as Inspiration for Life: Why Learn Torah

Torah is a wellspring of meaning that inspires every part of life, from decision-making, to how to treat others, and basis of our values.
May 13, 2025 Holidays Learning
The Origins of Tikkun Leil Shavuot

The Origins of Tikkun Leil Shavuot

The Origins of Tikkun Leil Shavuot draws from two narrative threads, both inviting us into special relationship with Torah and God.
May 7, 2025 Holidays Shavuot

What It Means Spiritually If People Edited the Torah

Did God give the fully-written Torah to Moses at Sinai? Or as the Torah compiled and edited by people? What does that mean spiritually?
April 30, 2025 Every Day Hebrew Bible

What Taking Up Chess Taught Me About Teshuvah

How can chess overlap with teshuvah? We can focus a lot on the "best moves" to make for every situation we find ourselves in.
April 25, 2025 Daily Living Every Day
Dayenu A Passover Message

Dayenu: A Passover Message

This Passover, and beyond, may we have the blessing of adding a few more verses of Dayenu for the miracles in our lives, and our ...
April 10, 2025 Holidays October 7th and Israel-Hamas War
Partial Deliverance is Still a Blessing

Partial Deliverance is Still a Blessing

Dayenu reminds us to appreciate the steps toward redemption, and we must continue taking small but meaningful steps too.
April 6, 2025 Holidays October 7th and Israel-Hamas War
Pessah en français

Pessah en français

Pessah commémore l'exode d'Égypte, le voyage vers la rédemption, et nos chemins personnels vers la liberté.
April 1, 2025 Holidays Passover
Pesaj en Español

Pesaj en Español

Pésaj conmemora el éxodo de Egipto, el viaje hacia la redención y nuestros caminos personales en la búsqueda de la libertad.
April 1, 2025 Holidays Passover
What Jewish Holidays happen during the Omer

What Jewish Holidays happen during the Omer?

There are six holidays during the Omer season: Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikkaron, Yom Haatzmaut, Pesah Sheni, Lag B’Omer, and Yom Yerushalayim.
March 31, 2025 Holidays The Omer
Passover Printables

Passover Printables

Check out these Passover printable resources for this year! From preparation, to the seder, to even counting the Omer!
March 27, 2025 Holidays How to observe Passover
What do we do differently at a Saturday Night Seder?

What do we do differently at a Saturday Night Seder?

When Passover begins on Saturday night, the schedule of preparation shifts and there are additional adjustments made on Saturday night too.
, March 26, 2025 Holidays How to observe Passover
What Medicines May One Take During Pesah?

What Medicines May One Take During Pesah?

If medicine is not food, why should there be any restrictions on taking it during Pesah? The question arises because although medicine is not food, ...
March 26, 2025 CJLS Halakhah
The Power of Intentional Revelation

The Power of Intentional Revelation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yu2a34PttAOriginally given as a senior sermon at JTS. I was six years old when I went thrift shopping for the perfect red button-up sweater to play ...
March 24, 2025 Holidays JTS Senior Sermon
Purim’s Purpose: Get Goofy

Purim’s Purpose: Get Goofy

The beautiful thing about Purim is that it allows us to take a step back, get silly, and not take ourselves too seriously.
March 7, 2025 Holidays Observing Purim
Purim and Women’s Leadership The Mantle of Esther

Purim and Women’s Leadership: The Mantle of Esther

Esther is a reminder that women have and will continue to step up to leadership, even when the stakes were high and the task difficult.
March 6, 2025 Holidays Purim
USY Purim and Brave Women

Purim and Brave Women

USY March Update: Purim has a powerful message for us with Esther's bravery and her willingness to risk it all for her people.
March 6, 2025 Purim Purim Reflections
Purim Rulings Mythical, Magical, and Mitzvot

Purim Rulings: Mythical, Magical, and Mitzvot

Silly halakhah questions answered! What do vampires eat? Can you deliver mishloah manot by Uber? Can you use your child as a grogger?
March 4, 2025 Holidays Humor
Unmasking a Queer Ancestor Mordecai

Unmasking a Queer Ancestor: Mordecai

Mordecai, Purim, and queerness come to invite all of us, queer or not, to work towards and reap the rewards of a free world.
February 13, 2025 Esther Holidays
Why and How We Should Play Games on Shabbat

Why and How We Should Play Games on Shabbat

It isn't just about playing games. They are the threads that weave a family's Shabbat tapestry, creating precious memories.
February 13, 2025 Erev Shabbat Holidays
How do I Prepare for Shabbat Without Stressing Out?

How do I Prepare for Shabbat Without Stressing Out?

We can prepare and still find ourselves scrambling before Shabbat. With a reframe, we can treat it as a rich part of our Shabbat experience. 
February 13, 2025 Erev Shabbat Holidays
Transforming Friday dinner into Shabbat dinner

Transforming Friday dinner into Shabbat dinner

In times where family and friends are more rare than ever, Shabbat dinner is a precious cradle of memories and community is a gift.
February 13, 2025 Erev Shabbat Holidays
Rest is the Best: Why Resting on Shabbat Matters

Rest is the Best: Why Resting on Shabbat Matters 

Shabbat isn’t about restrictions,it’s about freedom. A chance to step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself, loved ones, and G-d.
February 13, 2025 Holidays Observing Shabbat
The Deeper Meaning of Havdalah Make it Personal

The Deeper Meaning of Havdalah: Make it Personal

Through its symbolism, Havdalah teaches us that the boundary between sacred and the ordinary are not truly separate, but can also be fun!
February 13, 2025 Havdalah Holidays
What is an Eruv and How Does it Work?

What is an Eruv and How Does it Work?

An Eruv is a shared public space that belongs to everyone, representing the ideal of unity: no divisions, and a world that is one big ...
February 13, 2025 Holidays Observing Shabbat
Noticing the Trees Two Poems by Alter Esselin 

Noticing the Trees: Two Poems by Alter Esselin 

These two poems about trees by Alter Esselin teach us about wonder and gratitude. A perfect opportunity do these is Tu Bishvat.
February 11, 2025 Tu Bishvat Tu Bishvat Reflections
Together as Brothers

Together as Brothers

Our world holds a range of challenges for us. At the heart of how we meet those challenges is the call to brotherhood.
February 10, 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (US) Parashat Vayigash
What’s the deal with electricity on Shabbat?

What’s the deal with electricity on Shabbat?

Why is electricity such a complicated issue when it comes to Shabbat? What are the considerations? How can I learn more about it?
February 4, 2025 CJLS Halakhah

How Living for Shabbat Transformed My Whole Week

Looking at "To Life" from "Fiddler on the Roof," shows us how living for Shabbat can transform your whole week.
January 29, 2025 Daily Living Every Day

Juneteenth and Pesach Sheni

Juneteenth celebrates delayed liberation. What does a delayed celebration of liberation, Pesach Sheni, teach us about celebrating Juneteenth?
January 7, 2025 Holidays Juneteenth (US)
What Your Favorite Spelling of Hanukkah Says about Your Music Tastes

What Your Favorite Spelling of Hanukkah Says about Your Music Tastes

Show me how you spell Hanukkah and I'll tell you about your music taste. Don't worry, I'll make tons of assumptions about you.
December 18, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Reflections
Illuminating our Inner Strength: Hanukkah Kavanah

Illuminating our Inner Strength: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 17, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
How to Light Shabbat Candles: A Beginner’s Guide

How to Light Shabbat Candles: A Beginner’s Guide

Lighting Shabbat candles is one of our most beautiful traditions. Go grab your candles, here's how to light Shabbat candles step by step. 
December 15, 2024 Erev Shabbat Holidays
Am I Poor of Deeds? Yom Kippur Sermon 5785

Am I Poor of Deeds? – Yom Kippur Sermon 5785

In a challenging year, the statement in the prayer Hineni haunts me: "Here am I, poor of deeds." But is this true? Am I poor ...
December 15, 2024 Holidays Yom Kippur
Choosing Light: Hanukkah Kavanah

Choosing Light: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 15, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
Power and Promise: Hanukkah Kavanah

Power and Promise: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 15, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
Pause, Wonder, Ask, Turn: Hanukkah Kavanah

Pause, Wonder, Ask, Turn: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 15, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
Chasing Away the Darkness: Hanukkah Kavanah

Chasing Away the Darkness: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 15, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
Let There be Light: Hanukkah Kavanah

Let There be Light: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 13, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
Kindling Justice and Compassion: Hanukkah Kavanah

Kindling Justice and Compassion: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 13, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
Light Over Fear: Hanukkah Kavanah

Light Over Fear: Hanukkah Kavanah

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with this spiritual intention. Read one each night before you light the candles.
December 13, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
8 Nights of Kavvanot

8 Nights of Kavvanot

Elevate your Hanukkah candle lighting with these spiritual intentions. When the nights are dark, we are reminded about the powerful message of Hanukkah: To lift ...
December 13, 2024 Hanukkah Hanukkah Kavanot
Why Are There Two Challot on Shabbat?

Why Are There Two Challot on Shabbat?

It is custom to have two challot at the Shabbat meal. Where does this tradition come from? Here are a few answers to that question.
December 11, 2024 Erev Shabbat Holidays
What to expect when going to a B-Mitzvah?

What to expect when going to a B-Mitzvah?

A B-Mitzvah is the Jewish celebration and ritual of coming of age, and it is celebrated at about the age of 13. Here's what you ...
November 29, 2024 B-Mitzvah Lifecycles
What do I wear to a Shabbat service?

What do I wear to a Shabbat service?

Simply, something appropriate for a religious service. But, getting to know the community will help you understand what feels right.
November 7, 2024 Clothing Holidays
Considerations for Yom Kippur During or Immediately Following a Hurricane

Considerations for Yom Kippur During or Immediately Following a Hurricane

What to do on Yom Kippur during/after a hurricane. In all matters of Jewish law, the preservation of human life is of primary concern. Period. 
, October 9, 2024 Holidays Yom Kippur
How should I eat on Yom Kippur if I cannot fast?

How should I eat on Yom Kippur if I cannot fast?

What should I do if I need to eat on Yom Kippur? How can I honor the spirit of the day while providing my body ...
October 8, 2024 Food Holidays