I’ll Be Home for Christmas
With Xmas falling on Shabbat this year, what will your celebration look like? (Your *shabbat* celebration, of course. Sheesh – what did you think I was getting at?)
Category: Being Jewish
Hanukkah? It’s Greek To Me
Bradley Machov retells the ancient drama from an era that “reads like a Mafia crime drama” and draws a modern day analogy to make sure you really understand the miracle of the oil.
Dec 07, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post
Hanukkah, Mistletoe and the Hillel Rabbi
I circle around the room, thinking of The Gift of the Magi story by O. Henry and trying not to cast myself in an overly romanticized version of it (substituting holidays instead of gifts for the self-sacrificing lovers).
Dec 01, 2010 | 13 comments | View Post
In Need of a Hanukkah Tradition
I haven’t established a tradition of daily gift giving during Hanukkah. But this is the year my children get eight gifts, even if they’re lame gifts. Advice?
Nov 30, 2010 | 9 comments | View Post
50 Things We Love About Being Jewish In MSP
Here’s our list of the 35 and counting things we love about being Jewish in the Twin Cities. Won’t you help us think of even more?
Nov 24, 2010 | 20 comments | View Post
Monday Dish: Can Jews Celebrate Thanksgiving?
I’m willing to bet a pumpkin pie that most of us will be spending Thursday with family and/or friends celebrating Thanksgiving. But let’s dish: is it ok for Jews to celebrate Turkey Day?
Nov 22, 2010 | 6 comments | View Post
Let’s Kibbitz: Should Circumcision Be Banned?
A proposed San Francisco law would ban infant circumcision, with no religious exemption. Let’s kibbitz.
Nov 16, 2010 | 9 comments | View Post
Shabbat: A Time for Life
Whether you consider yourself shomer Shabbat or “nowhere” Shabbat, setting aside a day every week for rest, refreshment and reflection is beneficial. It’s not just good for your spirit; it also supports good, healthy living.
Nov 10, 2010 | 3 comments | View Post
On Halloween: Let the Kids Play
After last night’s trick-or-treating, Jewish dad Jason Kapel wonders at what point can we just let kids enjoy what Halloween has become?
Nov 01, 2010 | 4 comments | View Post
The Monday Dish: Comforting Strangers
My mom’s been attending funerals for people she’s only tangentially connected to and it has me thinking about comforting mourners. Here’s your chance to dish.
Nov 01, 2010 | 3 comments | View Post
My TC Jewfolk Year in Review
I joined TC Jewfolk a year ago as a monthly contributor. At the risk of sounding self-absorbed, let me look back at what I’ve observed and learned.
Oct 27, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post
Choosing Shalom
In choosing Judaism, the Jewish people, and Jewish life I have found a wholeness, shalom, I have never before experienced.
Oct 13, 2010 | 11 comments | View Post
Simchat Torah, Nerves and All
Halfway to the holiday, I start feeling nervous. “Where is Josh going for Simchat Torah?” asks Josh’s father. “I don’t know,” I reply.
Oct 01, 2010 | 4 comments | View Post
Sound the Shofar
Sounding the shofar. To stir our conscience, to confront our past errors, and ultimately, to return to wholeness and holiness.
Renewing Our Covenant with Israel
A renewed covenant awaits us this year. Renewal of our selves. Renewal of our covenant with Israel.
