Category: Living

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: 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

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
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
Teshuvah Summary: Medical and Recreational Cannabis Usage

Teshuvah Summary: Medical and Recreational Cannabis Usage

What is the halakhic and Jewish ethical status of consuming, possessing, and selling cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes?
July 18, 2025 CJLS Halakhah
Doorpost Missing Mezuzah

Was Korach So Bad?

There are rebels in the Torah. There were rebels against the cultures and norms of the time. Avraham and Sarah rejected polytheism, Yehoshua and Caleb ...
June 27, 2025 Inclusion LGBTQ+
Pink Pin Hebrew Female

Hebrew Pronoun Pins: Pinpointing the Why

Why are pronoun pins helpful and why did we make these Hebrew pins? How might they create more welcoming Jewish spaces?
June 26, 2025 Inclusion LGBTQ+
What is Bikur Holim, Visiting the Sick? Why is it Important?

What is Bikur Holim, Visiting the Sick? Why is it Important?

“Bikur holim” in Hebrew means visiting the sick. Here's some guidance on how to do this important Mitzvah.
June 12, 2025 Health Human interactions
A Prayer for Light in Times of Darkness

A Prayer for Light in Times of Darkness

A Prayer for Light in Times of Darkness as we mourn the souls of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgram, who were murdered in Washington, D.C.
May 22, 2025 Every Day Israel
The Storm and Isolation of Infertility

The Storm and Isolation of Infertility

When someone is suffering, from illness, loss, infertility, or anything that causes isolation, we must be there, ready to welcome them back.
May 2, 2025 Infertility Lifecycles

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
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
EJ and the Ongoing Situation in Israel and Gaza

EJ and the Ongoing Situation in Israel and Gaza

We can never make up the losses suffered in this conflict, we can only continue in the path of justice and equity that the Torah ...
, February 21, 2025 Exploring Judaism Blog October 7th and Israel-Hamas War

How Far Should One Go to Make Peace?

How far should one go to make peace? We can learn the answer to this from looking at stories of how Aaron makes peace.
February 18, 2025 Daily Living Every Day
Balancing Torah Study and Worldly Engagement Can it work

Balancing Torah Study and Worldly Engagement: Can it work?

You can find a harmonious existence where Torah study enriches your engagement with the world and the world inspires your spiritual growth.
, February 13, 2025 Learning Living
Food in the Talmud A Window Into a Distant Past

Food in the Talmud: A Window Into a Distant Past

Food is a way to discover layers of knowledge, connect to an ancient memory, and an invitation to revisit the lives of our distant ancestors.
February 13, 2025 Food Living
The Jewish Housewarming: Celebrating Your Hanukat HaBayit

The Jewish Housewarming: Celebrating Your Hanukat HaBayit

Remember that your home is not just a place to live but a sanctuary for your soul, a hub for community, and a legacy for ...
February 13, 2025 Every Day Home
Honoring and Involving Friends and Family in Your Jewish Wedding

Honoring and Involving Friends and Family in Your Jewish Wedding

Here are some recommendations on how (and when) to involve and include your loved ones in your Jewish wedding.
February 13, 2025 Lifecycles Living
What to Do and What to Expect at a Shiva

What to Do and What to Expect at a Shiva

The purpose of the shiva is to comfort the bereaved individual or family, there are a few basic steps for when you attend one.
February 13, 2025 Death and Dying Lifecycles
Moving House A Recurring Event of Jewish Life

Moving House: A Recurring Event of Jewish Life

No matter if we're moving two blocks away or crossing an ocean, with only our mezuzah reminds us who we are and how to continue ...
February 13, 2025 Every Day Home
Balancing Work and Faith: The Dilemma of Modern Jewish Life

Balancing Work and Faith: The Dilemma of Modern Jewish Life

Through thoughtful choices, self-reflection, and a commitment to growth, we can balance our professional obligations and spiritual practices.
February 13, 2025 Living Mitzvot
Confronting the Myth of Consent in Circumcision: Five Perspectives

Confronting the Myth of Consent in Circumcision: Five Perspectives

We are charged with passing the Torah to the next generation and teaching them to value it. Circumcision is a powerful symbol of that.
February 13, 2025 Brit Milah Lifecycles
Educational Milestones are Jewish Moments

Educational Milestones are Jewish Moments

Celebrating educational milestones as Jewish moments, we pass on a legacy, linking their achievements to generations past and future.
February 10, 2025 Education Learning
A Beginner’s Guide to Joining a Community

A Beginner’s Guide to Joining a Community

Doing Judaism online or alone is hard. There is no replacing being a part of a community. Here's a guide to joining a community step ...
December 15, 2024 Community Living
How Leonard Cohen “Made Me Jewish”

How Leonard Cohen “Made Me Jewish” 

How did Leonard Cohen make me Jewish? In part, I learned to believe in myself. And that was only the first step in a longer ...
December 15, 2024 Jewish Identity Living
The Eight Steps to Learn to Lead a Prayer Service

The Eight Steps to Learn to Lead a Prayer Service

Interested in leading services for your community? This guide will help you, step by step, take on this amazing communal role.
December 5, 2024 Community Every Day
It is a Boy! How Do We Prepare for his Brit Milah

It is a Boy! How Do We Prepare for his Brit Milah?

You've had a boy and its time for a Brit Milah (or Bris). What do you do? Who do you call? What questions do you ...
December 3, 2024 Brit Milah Lifecycles
What is feminist Torah and how do we do it?

What is feminist Torah and how do we do it?

Feminist Torah is an approach to how we relate to Torah and a set of commitments about which Torah to draw from in our teaching ...
December 2, 2024 Community Inclusion
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
Ketubah: The Contract of Your Life

Ketubah: The Contract of Your Life

Ketubah might be the most important contract of all. The document that guards the most important treasure in the world - our marriage.
November 14, 2024 Lifecycles Living
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
How to Get the Get (A Jewish Divorce) and Why It Matters

How to Get the Get (A Jewish Divorce) and Why It Matters

The Get or “decree of divorce,” plays a fundamental role in the Jewish life cycle of a couple whose marriage has come to an end ...
November 3, 2024 Divorce Halakhah
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
A Social Justice Harachaman

A Social Justice HaRachaman

God wants us to act and open our hearts. This prayer reminds us that when we do justice work, we are doing G!d’s work.
September 23, 2024 Blessings Daily Living
תכלה שנה וקללותיה – תחל שנה וברכותיה

תכלה שנה וקללותיה – תחל שנה וברכותיה

ובאמת, לצד האסונות שידענו לאורך אלפי שנות קיומנו, ידענו גם לקום, להתאחד ולהתחזק מתוך השבר. וכך יהיה גם הפעם.
September 23, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
End the Year and Its Curses – Begin the Year with Its Blessings

End the Year and Its Curses – Begin the Year with Its Blessings

Despite the disasters we have faced, we have known how to rise, unite, and grow stronger from the fractures.
September 23, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
CARING FOR CREATION PRAYER

Caring For Creation Prayer

A short prayer, inspired by and quoting the Prophet Isaiah, connecting us to nature, the environment, and all of creation.
, September 23, 2024 Climate and Environment High Holidays
Promoting Isaiah On Yom Kippur

Promoting Isaiah On Yom Kippur

Engaging with Operation Isaiah is a demand to eliminate the scourge of hunger. May we see the day when healthy food is available to all.
, September 23, 2024 Food High Holidays
The Shofar Is Calling Us Toward Queer Reconciliation: A Kavvanah

The Shofar Is Calling Us Toward Queer Reconciliation: A Kavvanah

The shofar's call urges us to examine our own biases and privileges, to stand in solidarity and to advocate for change.
, , September 23, 2024 Elul High Holidays

Redemption Of Captives And Freeing Hostages: An Ethical Imperative

While Jewish law contains many opinions, the moral imperative is clear: every effort should be made to negotiate the release of hostages without delay.
, September 22, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
Reflections on Death (1973)

Reflections on Death (1973)

Heschel writes in 1973 in "Reflections on Death": Life here and now is the task. Every moment can be an achievement.
September 22, 2024 CJ Journal - 1945-1959 Confronting Death
Introduction to the Kaddish: For Those who Died in the Israeli War (1957)

Introduction to the Kaddish: For Those who Died in the Israeli War (1957)

Written by S.Y. Agnon in the Conservative Judaism Journal for those who died in the War of 1948, these words are especially fitting today.
September 20, 2024 CJ Journal - 1945-1959 Conservative Judaism Journal
A Yizkor for the Victims of October 7th

A Yizkor for the Victims of October 7th

May God remember all the women, men, and children of Israel who were brutally murdered on the 7th of October.
September 20, 2024 Death and Dying High Holidays
Yizkor for the Victims of October 7th

Yizkor for the Victims of October 7th

This Yizkor, for the victims of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, attempts to capture the personal details of the people killed on this ...
September 20, 2024 Death and Dying High Holidays
כיצד ראוי לחגוג את שמחת תורה בשנת תשפ״ה?

?כיצד ראוי לחגוג את שמחת תורה בשנת תשפ״ה

חווינו אחד מן האסונות הגדולים ביותר בתולדות המדינה, ומאז, כיצד ראוי לחגוג את שמחת תורה בשנת תשפ״ה?
September 20, 2024 Halakhah High Holidays
How to Appropriately Celebrate Simchat Torah in 5785

How to Appropriately Celebrate Simchat Torah in 5785

With the ongoing tragedy of October 7th and the ongoing hostage situation and war, how do we appropriately celebrate Simchat Torah in 5785?
September 20, 2024 Halakhah High Holidays
כוונה לכניסת שמחת תורה תשפ”ה

כוונה לכניסת שמחת תורה תשפ”ה

דקות לפני כניסת החג, מתכנסים בבית הכנסת, לוקחים כלי חרס שביר ביד ואומרים האלה.
September 20, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
Intention for Simchat Torah 5785

Intention for Simchat Torah 5785

A ritual and intention before the start of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah this year in 2024/5785 based on a Talmudic story.
September 20, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
In Need of a Divine Hug: The Embrace of the Sukkah

In Need of a Divine Hug: The Embrace of the Sukkah

This year, we should learn to experience the embrace of Sukkot by embracing one another, knowing that God is reaching out to embrace us, too.
September 20, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
Welcoming Special Ushpizin for Sukkot This Year (5785)

Welcoming Special Ushpizin for Sukkot This Year (5785)

This year, as we feel as fragile as the Sukkah itself, we offer a framework for Sukkot and Ushpizin – our Exalted Sanctified Guests. 
September 20, 2024 Holidays Observing Sukkot
Sovereign of All the Earth: The Meaning of the Malkhuyot

Sovereign of All the Earth: The Meaning of the Malkhuyot

Acknowledging God’s sovereignty marks our responsibility toward all of life, through which the one creative, life-sustaining spirit flows.
September 19, 2024 Climate and Environment High Holidays
A New Year Filled With Hope

A New Year Filled With Hope

Tradition reminds me that even if I don't feel hope now, it's still here. Maybe it isn't present right now, maybe we will find it.
September 19, 2024 Elul High Holidays
שנה חדשה מלאה תקוה

שנה חדשה מלאה תקוה

המסורת מזכירה לי שאפילו שאני לא מרגישה את התקווה עכשיו - היא איפשהו כאן. ואולי היא נוכחת כרגע, אולי נמצא אותה.
September 19, 2024 Elul High Holidays
Holding Both Joy and Sorrow

Holding Both Joy and Sorrow

Our hearts are big enough to hold all the emotions we feel during this holiday season, as we pray, eat, and observe the holidays together.
September 17, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
The power of memory making

The Power of Memory-Making

Memory-making, the way we tell ourselves our story, the way we frame our history, offers the opportunity to give us power and, ultimately, hope.
September 17, 2024 High Holidays Holidays
How To Get Religious Accommodations At Work

How To Get Religious Accommodations At Work

Want to know your rights as a Jew in the workplace? Need religious accommodations? Find out what your rights are and how to exercise them.
September 9, 2024 Elul Government

Why We Study Mishnah To Grieve Someone Who Has Died

There is a custom of learning and reciting chapters of Mishnah as part of the mourning process. Where does this come from? How does this ...
, September 3, 2024 Death and Dying Learning
List of Mishnah Chapters by Hebrew letter

List of Mishnah Chapters by First Letter

One mourning practice is to use the first letters of chapters of Mishnah to spell out the name of the deceased. Here is a list ...
September 3, 2024 Death and Dying Lifecycles
Blessings Over Food and Drink

Blessings Over Food and Drink

There are many blessings over food and drink. Learn how to determine what blessing to use before and after eating a meal.
July 17, 2024 Blessings Every Day
Are Non-Kosher Animals Permitted for Organ Transplants?

Are Non-Kosher Animals Permitted for Organ Transplants?

Are non-kosher animals permitted for organ transplants? Rabbi Shai Cherry explains the recent teshuvah from the CJLS.
July 10, 2024 Animals CJLS
The Jewish Status of a Child Born Using a Gestational Carrier

The Jewish Status of a Child Born Using a Gestational Carrier

In a recent teshuvah, the CJLS answers the question, "what is the Jewish status of a child born using a gestational carrier?"
July 5, 2024 Child Birth CJLS
When Can a Jewish Wedding Happen?

When Can a Jewish Wedding Happen?

There are times when a Jewish wedding can happen and times when weddings cannot, either according to laws or customs.
, June 26, 2024 Holidays Lifecycles
Marriage As Mitzvah

Marriage As Mitzvah

Jews see marriage as mitzvah based on biblical and rabbinic texts. Marriage is seen as important for spirituality and closeness with God.
, June 26, 2024 Learning Lifecycles
Mourning a Miscarriage

Mourning a Miscarriage

While there are no specific rituals for mourning a miscarriage, there are practices and rituals to use in that time that can help healing.
June 19, 2024 Children Death and Dying
Shabbat for Jewish Pets and Their Owners

Shabbat for Jewish Pets and Their Owners

Here are a few tips to celebrate Shabbat for Jewish pets and their owners and how to enhance your family's Shabbat experience.
June 19, 2024 Animals Daily Living
Celebrating Shavu’ot with Seven Species Cookies

Celebrating Shavu’ot with Seven Species Cookies

What better way to celebrate Shavu’ot than by making a delicious treat from these seven species?
June 7, 2024 Food Holidays

Shavuot 5784: Tiny Tikkun

Shavuot is often considered a holiday of converts. Our Tiny Tikkun collects some texts on conversion to study with a friend or on your own.
May 30, 2024 Conversion Holidays
Temple Envy

Temple Envy

This an exploration of my "temple envy" through the emotions of grief, wonder, and desire for Jewish unity during a recent vacation to Nikko.
May 22, 2024 Every Day Holidays
I fought in Jerusalem in 1967: A Yom Yerushalayim Reflection

I fought in Jerusalem in 1967: A Yom Yerushalayim Reflection

Fifty-seven years have passed since my company fought in the streets and alleys of Jerusalem, yet I remember it as if it happened yesterday.
May 19, 2024 Holidays Israel
We Have a Responsibility to the Earth

We Have a Responsibility to the Earth

Some interpret Creation as an allowance to plunder the Earth. However, that is a misconception; we have a responsibility to the Earth.
May 15, 2024 Climate and Environment Kohelet (Ecclesiastes)

Ten Torah Resources You Should Know

Here are our top ten Torah resources you should know, including Conservative/Masorti organizations and resources for kids and families!
May 15, 2024 Holidays Learning
Gathering Our People: Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzma’ut

Gathering Our People: Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzma’ut

While I express my love for Jewish tradition, I am also holding the Jewish people in my hands and giving them a kiss as well.
May 9, 2024 Holidays October 7th and Israel-Hamas War

A Yom HaZikaron like no other… God-willing

Yom HaZikaron is different this year. Our troops are still falling and getting wounded. The sense of loss and mourning is not theoretical.
May 9, 2024 Holidays October 7th and Israel-Hamas War
Through My Children’s Eyes: Yom HaAtzmaut & Yom HaZikaron

Through My Children’s Eyes: Yom HaAtzmaut & Yom HaZikaron

Rabbi Rackover reflects on Yom HaZikkaron and Yom HaAtzmaut: For the first time, my daughter was afraid to share her Jewish identity. My heart broke.
May 9, 2024 Holidays October 7th and Israel-Hamas War
Spheres of Sustainability: Malkhut and Sovereignty

Spheres of Sustainability: Malkhut and Sovereignty

For this week of the Omer's sphere of sustainability, look at malkhut, sovereignty, as we stand at the threshold between earth and heaven.
April 17, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
Spheres of Sustainability: Yesod and Foundation

Spheres of Sustainability: Yesod and Foundation

For this week of the Omer's sphere of sustainability, look at yesod, foundation. Learn about the space between physical and spiritual worlds.
April 16, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
Spheres of Sustainability: Hod and Thanks

Spheres of Sustainability: Hod and Thanks

For this week of the Omer's sphere of sustainability, look at hod, thanks. It is seen in the inner beauty and splendor of physical beings. 
April 16, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
Spheres of Sustainability: Netzach and Eternity

Spheres of Sustainability: Netzach and Eternity

For this week of the Omer's sphere of sustainability, look at netzach, eternity. Learn about using this sefirah when thinking about endurance
April 16, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
Spheres of Sustainability: Tif'eret and Beauty

Spheres of Sustainability: Tif’eret and Beauty

For this week of the Omer's sphere of sustainability, look at tif'eret, beauty. Tif'eret brings us into balance with everyday blessings.
April 16, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
A SEAT FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T COME HOME

A Seat For Those Who Can’t Come Home

This year, as we prepare the seder, we encourage an extra setting at your table—an empty chair for our family still in captivity in Gaza.
April 15, 2024 October 7th and Israel-Hamas War Passover
Spheres of Sustainability: Strength and Gevurah

Spheres of Sustainability: Gevurah and Strength

For this week of the Omer's sphere of sustainability, look at gevurah, strength. Learn about using this gevurah when we face challenges.
April 12, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
Spheres of Sustainability: Chesed and Goodness

Spheres of Sustainability: Chesed and Goodness

For this week of the Omer's sphere of sustainability, look at chesed, goodness. This week, stand in awe before God's world.
April 12, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
Spheres of Sustainability: Making the Omer Count

Spheres of Sustainability: Making the Omer Count

By looking at the spheres of sustainability, we are making the Omer count. Explore the connections between the Omer and caring for the Earth.
, , April 12, 2024 Climate and Environment Environmental Omer Intentions
Days of the Omer Playlist

Exploring Judaism’s Omer Playlist

Exploring Judaism's Omer playlist is meant to accompany you throughout the seven weeks leading up to Shavuot: Bring a bit more music to life!
April 8, 2024 Holidays Music
On Passover, We Are All Jews-By-Choice

On Passover, We Are All Jews-By-Choice

On Passover, we are all Jews-by-Choice when we choose to remember what it is that brings us together for the holiday.
March 27, 2024 Conversion Holidays
How to Incorporate Kitniyot into Your Passover

How to Incorporate Kitniyot into Your Passover

Though the Conservative Movement has allowed eating kitniyot on Passover, many still do not. How can we incorporate kitniyot this year?
February 29, 2024 Every Day Food
How Mourning Changes You

How Mourning Changes You

Pulling on a conversation between Stephen Colbert and Anderson Cooper about mourning, learn about how mourning can change you.
February 19, 2024 Death and Dying Lifecycles
Confessions of a Fussy Kiddush Nosher

Confessions of a Fussy Kiddush Nosher

Though Kiddush in synagogue is a great for connecting with community, food options can be challenging and a limiting factor for picky eaters.
January 30, 2024 Food Holidays
Why I Change the Melodies: Exploring Keva and Kavanah

Why I Change the Melodies: Exploring Keva and Kavanah

By occasionally changing melodies, we draw from both Keva and Kavanah and invite ourselves into a deeper connection with our prayers.
January 22, 2024 Holidays Music