Reflecting on Tu B’shvat, and the Inconsistencies of Mother Nature
Tu B’shvat marks the beginning of the spring renewal and a reminder that the inconsistencies of nature can wreak havoc on society. That’s why we need Nechama.
Category: Voices
Tallit Magic
When I said the bracha and wrapped myself in my Tallit I was no longer an observer. I was not on the outside looking at others but feeling the embrace of my own tallit. And each time I run my hands through the fringe and wrap the tzitzit around my finger, I am transported back to being 3-years-old in shul, sitting next to my dad.
Feb 03, 2012 | 2 comments | View Post
On Matisyahu, Shaving, Facing Truth, and Finding Ourselves
Matisyahu shows the world his face and gives us an opportunity to re-claim our identity.
Finding Moshe Pomerantz
To illuminate lives lived, lives saved, and ultimately, lives lost. It is in this spirit that I went to Poland. A look back at history, and into the uncomfortable depths of the present.
Jan 24, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post
The Cantor’s Song: Are You Listening?
There is something else every cantor needs to do, the old blind cantor told us. But I can’t tell you, because you either know it—or you don’t.
Jan 23, 2012 | 4 comments | View Post
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
Blueprints for Blood Libel
How was it possible for the Torah to so accurately predict such things? Was it so obvious that Jews had a big “Kick me” sign painted on their collective foreheads even 3000 years ago?
![Fear and [Self] Loathing in Bet Shemesh](http://tcjewfolk.com/wp-content/uploads//2012/01/2424992539_5caf3d4e61-150x150.jpg)
Fear and [Self] Loathing in Bet Shemesh
When I think of those individuals in Bet Shemesh who are so full of hatred, I feel anger and sadness, but most of all pity.
Jan 12, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post
Crystal Balls Are Not Part of the Equation
Do you want the spoiler alert? Or the challenge of not knowing how your life will turn out? AISH MN Rabbi Da-vid Rosenthal weighs in.
Jan 09, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post
Talking to Kids about Tragic Events and Empathy
High Schooler Jack Jablonski’s paralysis during a hockey game reminds us how tragedy can change our lives unexpectedly. JFCS Health Youth-Healthy Communities Specialist Brittany talks about how to discuss this event with your kids.
Jan 08, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post
My Terror, Not His
As the teacher explained the horror of the Holocaust, the words I remember running through my head over and over were “I think I’m too young to know about this.” But I didn’t say them aloud.
Jan 05, 2012 | 8 comments | View Post
The Wandering Jew: Re-Living The Siege of Leningrad
I am translating my grandmother’s diary from the siege of Leningrad. I see her words, fading on yellowed crumpling paper, smeared with tears, and letters that were mangled by a shacking hand. I see her as she weaves between the realities of her mind and those of the world outside.
Dec 28, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
Somewhere in the Light: A Father-Daughter Dance for Hanukkah
By the year 2050, Minnesota’s cases of Alzheimer’s are expected to grow to 200,000. Those who have it may be us. I would like us to see them, though we mostly ignore them. I would like us to see them differently. Maybe Hanukkah is a good way to start.
Dec 26, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post
As an Israeli: Tests of Strength Within
At Hanukkah, we talk about heroes, heroic acts, and victories. Some heroic acts are a victory of few against many. Sometimes it is a victory of human vs. nature. And sometimes, it’s about our own little victories over our challenges within.
Dec 25, 2011 | 0 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.
