by Kendra Walz I have recently been inundated with wedding invites and pregnancy announcements from my friends. For me, this means carefully planning out handmade gifts, from crochet bags to quilts. Crafting is a rich tradition found in the cultures and identity of many ancient peoples, and the Jews are no exception. Hiddur mitzvah has Continue Reading »
by Nina Fondiller Woldin Two weeks ago, I joined a large rally outside Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Nearly 1,000 New Yorkers attended, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Iranian community leaders. The demonstration was organized by the Jewish civil rights group #EndJewHatred, together with several interfaith and civil Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter This past Shabbat, I gave the d’var Torah at our shul on the subject of Birchat HaCohanim, the Priestly Blessing recited in shul, at the Shabbat table, and during the Amidah prayer. This blessing is threefold: “May God bless you and protect you, deal kindly and graciously with you, and bestow favor Continue Reading »
By Nina Fondiller Woldin Today Americans are kicking off summer: firing up the grills and opening the pools. Unofficially, it’s the start of summer. Officially, it’s Memorial Day. The juxtaposition of celebration and remembrance may at first appear like a conflict. How can we eat, drink, play games, and splash in the pool while at Continue Reading »
By Jennifer K. Saber This year, Shavuot begins at sundown on Thursday, May 21, 2026. As Jews around the world prepare to celebrate the giving of the Torah, the holiday invites us to reflect not only on what happened at Mount Sinai long ago, but also on what it means to engage with Jewish life Continue Reading »
by Kendra Walz The late spring and early summer bring in some special occasions in Judaism. Following Passover, we experience Lag B’Omer and Shavuot as the days get longer and warmer and flowers bloom across the land, which we may like to bring inside to decorate our Shavuot tablescape. It is also a special, sacred Continue Reading »
by Nina Fondiller Woldin What’s on your to-do list today? I write a list almost every day. Crossing off tasks gives me a feeling of accomplishment, and adding to the list as the day goes on helps me make sure I don’t forget anything. My list today is packed with activities that need to be Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter Senator Ben Sasse is facing pancreatic cancer. In the midst of that reality, his focus hasn’t turned inward—it’s turned outward. He speaks about his love for his family and his country, and about the larger issues we often avoid: the impact of AI on jobs and the economy, our obsession with national Continue Reading »
By Jennifer Saber I am writing this blog just after returning from Poland, where I had the privilege of being a member of a March of the Living delegation. March of the Living is an annual educational program that brings participants to Poland to learn about the Holocaust by visiting historic sites and bearing witness Continue Reading »
by Kendra Walz A week before Passover, I was sitting at my dining room table with a whiteboard, writing down a grocery list. I had some ideas for new recipes this year – I had just gotten a pink crockpot as a Hanukkah gift at the end of last year and wanted to slow cook Continue Reading »
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