As we approach the month of Elul we traditionally get ready to search our hearts and to turn to our G-d. When we look at the word "Elul," it is similar to the root of the verb "search" in Aramaic. The Rabbis usually connect "Elul" to the idea of searching our hearts and preparing ourselves … Continue reading The Search by Diana Levine
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
With Hanukkah approaching, there is a divine reality constantly present in our pondering within the Jewish world–– miracles. This world has limitations, or at least perceived limitations. When we look at the world around us, things often seem so overwhelmingly impossible. We loose sight of the divine reality that our God is so much bigger. … Continue reading Miracle of Miracles by Danielle Tokajer
Our journey through Psalm 27 ends with this charge - to wait for the Lord - followed by a plea to endure and not become disheartened. These are some of the most encouraging and convicting words in the Bible. Even as God is telling us to be strong and take heart, he reminds us that … Continue reading Psalm 27
“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
Every year I take great pleasure in creating a beautiful display of gourds, flowers, fruits, and vegetables for our sukkah at Simchat Yisrael in West Haven, Connecticut. We are blessed to have an enclosed backyard in a mostly non-residential neighborhood, so we are able to gather on erev Sukkot under a full moon to share … Continue reading Out of My Gourd by Merryl Eaton
