There are certain spiritual truths, verses, concepts that stick with you - things that have seeped down into the deep recesses of your heart. They become the foundation of your faith in G-d, the unshakeable knowledge that sees you through when the waters of life get rough. For me, it is the knowledge that G-d … Continue reading We are the Ravens
A friend of mine posted an article on Facebook the other day entitled, "Singled Out: How Churches Can Embrace Unmarried Adults." As a rebbitzen, I'm always trying to think outside my situation and looking to the needs within the congregational structure. Our synagogues are home to people of all walks and stages of life and … Continue reading Why Don’t We Revere Singleness?
Have you heard the term "hiddur mitzvah"? It means Beautify or Enhance the Mitzvah - we should go above and beyond as we seek to fulfill a commandment of G-d. That is why we have such gorgeous objects in our synagogues and homes that we use to fulfill G-d's commandments surrounding our observance. The sages' … Continue reading Hiddur Mitzvah
Last night was the first night of Chanukah and Jewish people around the world lit the first candles in their menorahs. We cannot say exactly when the tradition of lighting a menorah at Chanukah started, but the holiday itself was instituted by the Maccabees in 138 BCE and is referenced in many ancient writings. It … Continue reading The Tradition of Chanukah by Jennifer Caracelo
The sky was inky black, the stars shone brightly above us and the wind blew my hair straight up in the air. We watched as sparks flew up into the dark night, as the glassblowers created something out of nothing. It was amazing to see how the glassblowers would roll the hot glass, blowing it … Continue reading Dancing Alone by Diana Levine
You may have heard the saying, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step." What may seem daunting and far off will never come any closer to being a reality unless you do something to make it happen. Just six months ago, Neshama was an idea, a maybe, a what if. It … Continue reading A Big Announcement!
“Simchat Torah....Wow, another holiday? Didn’t we just finish the two main ones? Plus, we ate a few meals in our sukkah. We are doing pretty good on the holiday scale – right?” Okay, similar thoughts have probably entered our minds once or twice (or maybe more). During the fall, we practically take up residence at … Continue reading The Torah is Kind of a Big Deal by Hannah Mann
