The J is proud to offer two fun and educational family programs to celebrate Passover this Spring. Don’t miss out to mark this festive Jewish holiday! On Monday, March 27, join other families with children ages six and older at Pottery...
Read Post
Contributed by Rabbi Brad Horwitz Director, Jewish Engagement & Adult Programs One of the traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn. Some say that this ritual is to...
Read Post
When the Hanukkah candles are lit this year once again, Jews around the world will be commemorating two miracles. The first miracle is a miracle of might. A small band of Jewish fighters, led by Judah the Maccabee and his family were...
Read Post
In ancient Israel society, if an individual Israelite (man or woman) who was not part of the priestly caste wanted to live a more holy life and have a deeper spiritual connection to God, he/she could take the vow of the Nazirite. The...
Read Post
One of the more popular customs associated with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is the eating of apples and honey. This is to symbolize hopes for a sweet new year. It is also fitting for the beginning of the fall season when several...
Read Post
One of the liturgical poems in the Haggadah is called Dayenu which means “it would have been enough.” With its repetitive chorus and upbeat melody, the Dayenu is often a fan favorite sung during the seder. This year I ask you to join me in...
Read Post
It always strikes me as odd that this holiday occurs during the middle of winter. It would seem more appropriate to celebrate the birthday of the trees during any other time of the year when nature’s beauty and bounty are more visible...
Read Post
Hanukkah is often referred to as the Festival of Lights. We add one candle to the Hanukkah menorah each of the eight nights of Hanukkah to commemorate the miraculous victory of the Macabees as well as the miracle of the small cruse of oil that...
Read Post
I often tell my school aged children that you can never say “please” or “thank you” too much. It doesn’t get too old and no one will ever fault you for giving thanks and showing appreciation. Actually, the more sense of...
Read Post
When the Israelites traveled in the wilderness they lived in temporary dwellings called huts or booths or sukkot. And in commemoration of that time in our Jewish past, we celebrate the holiday of Sukkot, this year set to begin Wednesday...
Read Post