The Chai Mitzvah Blog

Reflections on a Very Different Purim

Posted on March 25, 2024

by Rabbi Debra Smith, “Reb Deb” For me, Purim 2024 has been a holiday of considering and reflecting on many opposites. Before enjoying a wonderful Wizard of Oz-themed Purim spiel here in Boynton Beach (complete with delicious home baked hamantaschen) I offered the weekly Sunday morning study session to my community. I would like to dedicate Continue Reading »

What I Have Learned from You

Posted on March 18, 2024

by Jill Maidhof Twice a year we five members of the Chai Mitzvah national staff paint a portrait of the organization for the members of our Board. As the Outreach Coordinator, I speak with participants throughout the year, but never more than during Board Report month, as we confirm the number of people we’re reaching and receive their Continue Reading »

Purim 5784-2024, Again!

Posted on March 11, 2024

by Nina Fondiller Woldin Chances are that you know the story of Purim – wicked Haman convinces King Achashverosh to have all the Jews of Persia killed. Encouraged by her cousin Mordechai, Queen Esther, the king’s secretly Jewish wife, risks her life to intercede on her people’s behalf. How many times can you remember someone Continue Reading »

Muddled Thinking or a New Reality

Posted on March 4, 2024

by Audrey Lichter This past Shabbat Trinity College in Hartford CT hosted their annual  LGBQ Shabbat. In the past, the LGBQ community at Trinity would be welcomed into the Hillel House for a service and a joint Shabbat meal. This year the organization insisted that Hillel make a contribution to Gaza aid before they agreed Continue Reading »

The season is beginning to change!

Posted on February 26, 2024

by Michalee Merritt I love this time of year. Maybe because I know that I go on vacation every March? I think it is because I know that I will see more of my community coming out of hibernation. We all start to talk about what kind of hamantaschen we all like (I am partial Continue Reading »

Recipe for Responsible Leadership

Posted on February 19, 2024

by Rabbi Debra Smith On the occasion of Presidents’ Day, I have been reflecting on the topic of leadership, specifically the traits that define a responsible leader. Whether one is a leader in their family, club, organization, community, or beyond, certain guidance is common regarding good leadership. What is your recipe for  successful leadership? According Continue Reading »

Water Your Jewish Garden

Posted on February 12, 2024

by Jill Maidhof “What did you learn today that you didn’t already know?”  This is the way I greet my grandson after a morning of religious school. He tells me he learned the 10 Commandments and when I ask, “which one?,” he  says “all of them.” “That’s great!” I say, but what I’m thinking is Continue Reading »

Views from the Southwest

Posted on February 5, 2024

by Audrey Lichter View from JCC/Federation Salt Lake City I highly recommend visiting Jewish communities around the country. I have  just returned from a trip visiting 10 cities in the Southwest combining Chai Mitzvah meetings with some sight seeing and vacation. I met with Synagogues, JCC’s, Federations, a potential donor, and itinerant educators. Here are Continue Reading »

Holocaust Remembrance Day 2024: Love of Life, Joy, and Acts of Loving Kindness.

Posted on January 29, 2024

by Nina Fondiller Woldin Last Saturday night I was on the way to a friend’s house for dinner when I faced a motorcade of cars flying Palestinian flags. It even included a sign truck comparing Israel to the Nazis.  I hoped that this reminded those who were not aware, that Saturday was International Holocaust Remembrance Continue Reading »

MLK and Shabbat of Love

Posted on January 19, 2024

by Michalee Merritt This week began with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and is ending with the Shabbat of Love. Martin Luther King, Jr. influenced people around the world, He advocated for peaceful approaches to some of our society’s biggest problems.  You might be surprised to know that he was deeply connected to the Jewish Continue Reading »

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