Thinking about those in South East Asia

As we prepare for Shabbat, let our hearts, minds and tzedakah be turned to the peoples of South East Asia whose lives, families, homes and entire communities have been ripped apart. It has long been part of our tradition to give tzedakah just before Shabbat begins.
Where to give? There are many places where you [...]

Conservative Movment Responsa Online

Through Zackary Sholem Berger I learned that the Conservative Movement’s Rabbinical Assembly has finally put its responsa (also called teshuvot) online, a great contemporary halakhic resource.
Go and study!

Torah Commentary for the Week - Vayigash

This week’s Torah portion continues the saga of Jacob. His sons, having learned the true identity of Phaoroh’s Vizier, their brother Joseph, prepare to return to Canaan to tell Jacob that his son is still alive.
This portion is filled with family dynamics, travels and the process of change. One of the change-agents in the [...]

An Auspicious Anniversary

Today is a significant anniversary for rabbis, especially female rabbis. On this day the first woman in North America worked as a rabbi. (Regina Jonas worked as a rabbi in Germany before she was murdered by the Nazis.)
Jewish Women’s Archives gives the details on thier This Week in Jewish History site.
On December 12, 1950, [...]

Hag Urim Sameach

Happy Hanukkah!
May these days be filled with light, joy and pride for you and yours.
The many ways to spell Hanukkah].)
Huge collection of Hanukkah resources at My Jewish Learning.
How to light the candles
Hanukkah service for the home
Text studies on Hanukkah.
Hanukkah and hunger, connecting our celebration with those in need.
Hanukkah music from around the world. [...]

Torah Commentary for the Week - Vayeshev

Torah commentary for the week is back. This week’s Torah portion is Vayeshev, beginning the saga of Joseph which will continue through the next 4 portions. Rabbi Sharon Mars of Univerity of North Carolina Hillel examines Joseph’s character, specifically is he righteous? Her drash is titled Joseph: Technicolor Tzadik? The complex character of Joseph [...]