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Author Archive for Susan Esther Barnes
Susan Esther Barnes is a religious Reform Jew who can regularly be seen greeting people at her synagogue before services. She is a founding member of her synagogue's chevra kadisha. Read her blog at www.kissamezuzah.blogspot.com.
Message of Hope from Israel
Barak has an impressive list of accomplishments for anyone his age, but what is most remarkable about him is his commitment for peace and his hope for a positive future in Israel, despite all obstacles, and despite his own background.
Mar 21, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post
Signs of God
While some people don’t believe in God, some of us see signs of God everywhere we go. The question is, how open are you to recognizing the signs of God surrounding you?
I Want to Know What I’m Praying For
Because I don’t know the seriousness or extent of my condition, I’m not ready for Mi shebeirach. Until I know where I stand, I don’t know what path to follow next. When I pray, I want to know what I’m praying for.
Jan 18, 2012 | 5 comments | View Post
Shabbat in a Hotel Room
So that is how I ended up sitting in a hotel room on Friday night, with two candles, a bottle of wine, and a challah on the table, along with a prayer book in my lap and my cell phone beside me.
Three Ways to Prepare for Christmas…If You’re Jewish
Effective strategies Jews can use now to make Christmas a little less intrusive this year.
Nov 16, 2011 | 5 comments | View Post
Meir Shalev Doesn’t Disappoint With His Latest Book, “My Russian Grandmother and Her American Vacuum Cleaner”
I was captivated by this quirky family memoir by Meir Shalev, the acclaimed Israeli author.
Nov 03, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Were High Holy Day Services Boring? Next Year, Try This
When you’re with a community bound by stories of love and loss, pain and joy, heartache and triumph, there is no room for boredom.
Oct 19, 2011 | 3 comments | View Post
Hoffman’s “The Dovekeepers” a Fascinating Look at Four Women’s Lives After the Second Temple’s Destruction
This book isn’t for the feint of heart, but if you’re looking for a tale of strong women doing the best they can in the midst of harrowing circumstances, this novel is for you.
Oct 09, 2011 | 3 comments | View Post
Whose Eggs Are They, Anyway?
When a 17 year old girl dies unexpectedly, do her parents have the right to harvest and fertilize her eggs?
Sep 21, 2011 | 4 comments | View Post
DiaTribe Book Review: “The Book of Life” by Stuart Nadler a Huge Disappointment
“The Book of Life” by new author Stuart Nadler: unpleasant, predictable, and not really that Jewish.
Sep 18, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
What I Can’t Seem to Forgive
How do I stand before God on the High Holy Days and proclaim that I forgive all those who have trespassed against me when something has been taken from me that can never be replaced?
Aug 17, 2011 | 5 comments | View Post
Do You Feel Bound By God’s Commandments?
None of us can know for sure what God’s commandments really are and I do not necessarily feel bound by other people’s interpretations of those commandments.
Jul 20, 2011 | 6 comments | View Post
Rabbis Don’t Do Laundry
Rabbi’s don’t do laundry? Of course they do, but sometimes sterotypes can get in the way of seeing rabbis and other authority figures as they really are.
Jun 15, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
What Does Building the Mishkan Have To Do With Kashrut?
An imaginary conversation with God on what kashrut, the Jewish dietary laws, have to do with the building of the mishkan.
Jun 02, 2011 | 3 comments | View Post
