by Nina Fondiller Woldin Like all the boats on our dock, we raised flags on our mast this weekend in honor of July 4. Our neighbor raised the USA 250 flag. We considered raising the American/Israeli flag, as we did last year… and then reconsidered. As a child, I was taught that religious freedom was Continue Reading »
by Audrey Lichter “Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (Proverbs 27:6) In last week’s parsha, we learned that Balaam was summoned by Balak to curse the Jewish people. Instead, he could only bless them. Digging deeper into these so-called blessings, however, we learn in Sanhedrin 105b Continue Reading »
By Jennifer Saber “MOM!!! Didn’t you see that kid on the bicycle? I saw him. How did you not see him?!” I heard my son shriek from the passenger seat as I rolled to a halt in the crosswalk before making a right turn at the busy intersection. My heart skipped a beat. Had my Continue Reading »
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 »
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