We are again at a crossroads. Both in the Jewish calendar, entering into Yom Kippur, where life and death decisions will be made, and in the world of COVID-19, with a disconcerting continuing rise in … more

A (Brief) Follow Up From The Community Letter We expected the letter to make the rounds but it went viral with a speed that surprised us. We appreciate all of the feedback, comments and … more

For many Jews, predominantly Sephardim, Rosh Hashana foods extend way beyond apples and honey. Among the numerous simanim (foods that have symbolic … more

The High Holidays is a time of deep spiritual reflection and introspection. This year, obviously, demands it even more. As I take stock of the year that was, several unusual occurrences stand out … more

How does the poet get started on the process of writing a poem, or the songwriter as he sets about composing a song? My wife’s grandfather was the renowned Hasidic rebbe, Rabbi Shaul … more

It’s been more than a decade since Yossi Beilin retired from Israeli politics, yet he continues to use his stature as a former government official to sometimes take positions that blacken … more

As we approach Yom Kippur, here are ten short ideas which might help you focus your davening and ensure you have a meaningful and transformative experience. … more

The final three pasukim of Sefer Michah are found in this week’s haftarah, as well as immediately after the recitation of Sefer Yonah on Yom Kippur afternoon: Who is a G-d like You, Who … more

If you would have collected a group of world-renowned military strategists on Yom Kippur in 1973 and asked them, at 4 pm Israel time, for a prognosis on the status of the events unfolding on the … more

Erica Brown is one of our community’s foremost American Jewish educators. Through her teachings on Teshuva, she helps people to re-think our sacred texts, thus making them ever more … more