RSS Jewish Living

Camp Unplugged

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

interview with Louis Bordman. The director of URJ Eisner Camp explains why cell phones are banned at URJ camps--and how camp life has been enriched as a result. Sidebar to Invasion of the Machines. Summer 2013.

Debatable: Should We Support Physician-Assisted Suicide?

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Phil Cohen (yes) and Barry Block (no). Rabbi Phil Cohen: Let us offer a humane response to patients who needlessly suffer. Rabbi Barry Block: Dont short-circuit the deep meaning in the natural process of death. Summer 2013.

Education: What Do You Know&about Synagogues?

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Susan Esther Barnes. Is there a traditional prayer to say upon entering a synagogue? & 9 other questions and answers about synagogue ritual objects and practices. Summer 2013.

Invasion of the Machines

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

interview with Wendy Mogel. Technology opens wonderful worlds for childrenbut may also carry risk. The clinical psychologist and author of two parenting books discusses how Judaism and social science can help families navigate our new cyberworld. Summer 2013.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Appraising an important Judaica papercut. Summer 2013.

Map: Visiting Your Family

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

An RJ-ARZA collaboration. A guide to all 40 IMPJ congregations, with worship and contact information and a color-coded Visitors Map of every community. Part of RJ Insiders Guide to Israel Travel. Summer 2013.

Nation of Innovation: Cuisine

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Rolene Marks. Innovative eateries intermixing immigrant culinary traditions and Middle Eastern and Asian accents: Yakomono, Mul Yam, Maxs, Dr. Shakshuka, Bouza, Mr. Lachuch, Mukhtar, Shegar Ethiopian Restaurant, Kfar Hanokdim, Arcadia. Part of RJ Insiders Guide to Israel Travel. Summer 2013.

Nation of Innovation: Ecotourism

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Darryl Egnal. Israel is now a world leader in green innovation& many initiatives are open to the eco-traveler. Article covers: Ariel Sharon Park/Mount Hiriya, Vertico Eco-Art Village, Neve Midbar, Chai Negev, Mitzpe Revivim, Nitzana Educational Community & Solar Park, Ezuz - Zimmerbus, Kibbutz Lotan, Ketura Sun, The Ecological GreenhouseKibbutz Ein Shemer, Agamon Hula Lake Ornithologial and Nature Park, Mitzpe Hayamim. Part of RJ Insiders Guide to Israel Travel. Summer 2013.

Social Action: The Making of a Greenpeace Activist

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Janos Maté. Reflections on how the authors whole life journey, including his Jewish upbringing, inspired him to become an activist, taking on perilous assignments to make the world a better place. Summer 2013.

What Your Heart Can Teach You

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Morinis. Reflection on how, at moments of experiencing yirahwhich the author defines as feeling awe, fear, and reverence all at once--our hearts are open to discovering the essential meaning of our lives. Summer 2013.

What Works: A Shiva Registry for Mourning Families

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

No byline. A free shiva registry service started by Sharon Rosen can streamline shiva arrangements for congregations and individuals, and strengthen congregational community. Spring 2013.

Divinity of Dementia

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Cary Kozberg. Persons with dementia are messengers from God, helping us to reflect on what it means to be human. Adaptation from the URJ Press book Broken Fragments: Jewish Experiences of Alzheimers Disease through Diagnosis, Adaptation, and Moving On. Spring 2013.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

appraisals by Jonathan Greenstein. Appraising a spice tower connected to Civil War history. Spring 2013.

The Higher Authority Lies Within

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Reisel. The biblical story of Moses breaking the tablets teaches us that even God agrees that to seek truth means to question authority. Quite literally, it means to break the rules. Spring 2013.

Were the Jews Moneylenders Out of Necessity?

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Maristella Botticini and Zvi Eckstein. Jews did not choose professions in finance because of restrictions, but because of proficiency. Part of Focus: Greatest Jewish Myths. Spring 2013.

Action: Involving Families with Young Children

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Barbara Pash. How congregations can successfully engage young families. Profiles model congregations of different sizes and presents experts tips for success. Winter 2012.

Bar(chu) Hopping

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Josh Nelson. We want prayer experiences in and of the momentones without an alternative agenda or expectation of our doing or giving. Part of Cover Story: Forum for the Future, in which six 20s and 30s say what they need to find their home in the Jewish community. Winter 2012.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Appraising an unusual menorah with griffon (dog breed) heads on each side. Winter 2012.

My Marital Masquerade

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Anonymous. My husband was committing crimes to feed his serious drug addiction. I feared public humiliation. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

My Secret Siblings

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Marlene Myerson. Packing up my mothers apartment after her death, I finally found the answers Id yearned for all my life. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

Pitching to Parents

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Sarah Lefton. As parents of a 3-year-old, there isnt a place where my husband and I can learn in a serious way at the same time. Part of Cover Story: Forum for the Future, in which six 20s and 30s say what they need to find their home in the Jewish community. Winter 2012.

The Disgrace of a Nice Jewish Girl

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Annette Powers. My father believed that intermarriage was a shanda. I hoped to prove him wrong. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

What Will the Neighbors Say?!

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

a conversation with Edythe Mencher and Dale Atkins. How society has changed what it deems a disgrace, when shaming is harmful or useful, and how to break the cycle of unjustified shame. Part of Focus: Shanda. Winter 2012.

What Works: Engaging Young Professionals & New Parents

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

no byline. Highlights The Open Tent program established by Temple Beth Sholom in Miami Beach, which is engaging three different demographics: young professionals 25-45, expectant parents, and new parents. Winter 2012.

Youth Engagement: Launching the B'nai Mitzvah Revolution

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

a conversation with Bradley Solmsen and Isa Aron. The two co-directors of the Campaign for Youth Engagement discuss the history of bnai mitzvah practice, why we need a bnai mitzvah revolution now, and what such a revolution will encompass. Winter 2012.

Books: The Roots of Jewish Conversion

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

interview with David Ellenson and Daniel Gordis. The prevailing and conflicting attitudes about conversion from biblical times to today. Includes sidebars: Mitkadem Digital (URJ Books and Music) and Welcoming Spiritual Seekers (URJ resources). Fall 2012.

Education: What Do You Know...About Synagogues?

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Kevin Thurm. Ten multiple choice questions about synagogues past and present (answers follow) in this first of a series of educational quizzes on different topics. Fall 2012.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Evaluating a brass hanging lamp known as a judenstern (Jewish star in German). Fall 2012.

Lifecycle: Holding Fast Then Letting Go

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Steven Schnur. Reflections of a proud father on his adult daughters wedding day. Fall 2012.

Preparing for the New You

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Theodore Bikel, Susan Caro, Rachel Cowan, Stacia Deutsch, Emily Goldberg, Lawrence A. Hoffman, Liz Lerman, Richard N. Levy, Cynthia Roosth Wolf. Nine Jewish thinkers reflect on the teachings that inspire them to take an accounting of their souls, how they take stock of their actions, and the life experiences that have prompted them to seek change. Fall 2012.

Worship: A Classical Reformer Bows to Tradition

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Suzanne Singer. The evolution of a rabbi who once likened bowing and kissing the Torah scroll to idolatry. Fall 2012.

&And Who Is to Blame

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Arnold S. Gluck. What we can learn from the Talmudic tale of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012. PDF.

Civility as a Spiritual Practice

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Morinis. Jewish tradition emphasizes kindness, graciousness, and respect to teach us to uphold the human idealand to promote good government. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012.

Conviction with Compassion

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Arnold S. Gluck. Learning to respect and care about those with whom we profoundly disagree. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Appraising a 1905 medallion commemorating the 250th year of Jewish settlement in the U.S. Summer 2012.

Lifecycle: A Home Dismantled with Devotion

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jack Riemer. A prayer that can help us as we begin the sacred task of closing down and emptying out our parents home after they die. Summer 2012.

Medical Ethics: The Morality of Marijuana2 Views

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Donald I. Abrams and Jim Hornstein. Two medical doctors who are Reform Jews debate the issue. Dr. Abrams: Marijuana Use is Medical & Moral. Dr. Hornstein: Only Medical Marijuana Use is Moral. Summer 2012. PDF.

Portrait: Jackie Curtis Silverman

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Q&A with Jackie Curtis Silverman. The founder of The New Orleans Womens Shelter reflects on having decided to no longer live my sheltered life telling myself that homelessness was a government problem to solve. Summer 2012. PDF.

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

a conversation with Edythe Mencher and Dale Atkins. When we assert ourselves respectfully while avoiding the temptation to act unkindly towards others, no one is diminished as a human being. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012.

The Insult That Destroyed Jerusalem&

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hayyim Nahum Bialik and Yehoshua Iana Rawnitzki. The Talmudic tale of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza. Part of Focus: Civility. Summer 2012. PDF.

Cultivating Love

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Alan Morinis. What can each of us do to foster nefeshsoul love? Spring 2012.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Appraising a Jewish cast metal clock. Spring 2012.

Lessons from the Sage of Love

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Naftali Rothenberg. Rabbi Akivas wisdom about the ideal of human love. Spring 2012

Love IS Stronger than Death

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rex Perlmeter. Nurturing love in the face of tragedy. Spring 2012.

Through Laughter & Tears

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Breslauer. The 55-year love adventure of NFTYs first married couple. Spring 2012.

What Works: Co-creating a Bat Mitzvah Tallit: The Ties that Bind

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Story of how a grandfather connected to his two grandchildren, and vice versa, through their co-creation of bat mitzvah tallitand how that led to co-creating a chuppah for the marriage of his son. Winter 2011.

An Open Heart

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

interview with Alan Morinis. The breaking of the wedding glass sends the message: To fully experience joy, one must also be able to feel deep sorrow. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

Healing "Spiritual Deficiency Syndrome"

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Abraham J. Twerski. How to alleviate the cause of enduring happinessneglect of the human spirit. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Appraising a menorah with a Star of David motif. Winter 2011.

My Idea: Practice Inclusive Prayer

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Janet Alyn. Lynn Stahls inclusive prayer at a community-wide function embraced every member of her audience; how to follow her example. Winter 2011.

The Dalai Lama and the Chief Rabbi

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

interview with the Dalai Lama and Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks. The Dalai Lama and the Chief Rabbi reflect on finding happiness in the face of tragedy, loss, and injustice. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

The Intrinsically Good Life

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Hava Tirosh-Samuelson. Human happiness has been a central concern of Judaism since antiquity. And the ancient Jewish philosophers teachings about the intrinsically good life are just as relevant today. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

They Call Me Happy. Heres Why.

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Evan Happy Braude. Engagement gives meaning to my life, and from meaning I derive happiness. Part of Focus Happiness. Winter 2011.

At Home with Death

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Anson Laytner. Reflective account of the authors decision, after his beloved wife died, to keep her body at home with the family until the funeral. Fall 2011.

At the Junction of Judaism & Justice

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

This tribute to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaisms 50th anniversary includes Fighting for a Better Future: 12 Milestones, chronicling a dozen historic milestones where the RAC was at the forefront of social justice; and reflections by two former RAC Eisendrath Legislative Assistants, Brandeis President Frederick Lawrence and Rabbi David Stern, on being shaped by the LA experience. Fall 2011.

Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Investigating the origin of crystal plates from Czechoslovakia adorned with a Star of David image. Fall 2011.

Lessons in the Mirror

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Charles R. Krivcher. Personal reflection of a High Holy Day encounter with a mirror that led to an epiphany regarding the authors relationship with God and personal responsibility in prayer. Fall 2011.

My Monumental Bar Mitzvah Project

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ben Greenspan. First-person account by an eighth grader of how he co-created the film The Road Through Ohrdruf, which features the stories of both survivors and liberators of a small concentration camp called Ohrdruf 65 years after the war; the article also includes historical information and a variety of survivor memories/perspectives. Fall 2011.

Wake Up Call

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Ellen Marks. Personal story of a woman whose husband, 56, was diagnosed with a malignant, lethal brain tumor. Before his diagnosis the family had no idea that some researchers had linked prolonged cell phone use with brain tumors. An epiphany during Shabbat services at her congregation galvanized the author to take action, becoming a leading spokesperson on the perils of unsafe cell phone use and an advocate for governmental legislation that would mandate appropriate warnings regarding levels of radiation to consumers at point of purchase. Includes Ellen Marks Recommended Cell Phone Precautions. Fall 2011.

Wrestling with Forgiveness

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dalia Marx. As we approach the Days of Awe, we can take three paths to forgiveness: focusing on the injured, on the injurer, orideally and most challengingon the relationship between them. Fall 2011.

Debatable: Should Jews Support a Union's Right to Collective Bargaining?

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

YES perspective by Jonathan Biatch, NO perspective by Clifford E. Librach. Summer 2011.

Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. Trench art from what was then Palestine during WWI. Summer 2011.

Lifecycle: The Pitfalls & Passions of Middle Age

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Michael A. White. Coming to terms with certain limitations of freedom posed by middle age and learning how to expand the possibilities for growth. Summer 2011.

Portrait: Leanna Cossman

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A member of Sinai Temple, Champaign, Illinois reflects on the challenges and meaning of her volunteer work in Haiti and other locales. PDF. Summer 2011.

What Works: The House That Ryan Built

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

For his temple mitzvah project in preparation for his becoming a bar mitzvah, Ryan Coretz of Temple Israel, Tulsa, Oklahoma raised $60,000 to build a Habitat for Humanity house and helped construct it, too. Summer 2011.

A Moral Guide to Medical Breakthroughs

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation with Mark Washofsky. How Jewish tradition views in vitro fertilization, stem cell research, genetic modifications, and extending the human lifespan. Part of Focus: Ethics in a Fast-Changing World. Spring 2011.

And She Shall Be a Blessing

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Melanie Goldish. The story of how Debbie Friedman supported the author's young son Travis, who was being treated for cancer, and Travis' brother too. Part of Tribute: Music Legend Debbie Friedman. Spring 2011.

Everything in Moderation...Except Moderation

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Edythe Mencher. The Jewish prescription for a healthy life is cultivating a middle path - spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Haiti: Acts of God?

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Richard Jacobs. Was it God's will or human injustice that caused so many deaths in Haiti? Includes sidebar on URJ Haiti relief efforts. Spring 2011.

Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Appraisal by Jonathan Greenstein. "My father bought this silver seder plate 35-40 years ago..." Spring 2011.

Morality: Choosing to Live, Choosing to Die

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jack Riemer. Do I agree with Christopher Reeve, who was busy until the day he died, or with Moti Gur, who surrendered when he could not defeat cancer? Spring 2011.

Not More Than My Place; Not Less Than My Space

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Laura Geller. How do I balance the desire to be acknowledged while making space for others to shine? Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Productivity vs. Procreation

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Juliana Schnur. How do I balance my work - where I'm a valued member of the team - with what it takes to meet the right man? Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Secrets of a Song Prophet

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Alane S. Katzew. Debbie Friedman's four masterful skills that allowed her to transform a group of strangers into a sacred community. Part of Tribute: Music Legend Debbie Friedman. Spring 2011.

Self-Indulgence vs. Self-Denial

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Aron Hirt-Manheimer. For most of my life I have made a virtue of doing for others. I resolved to put myself first for a change. Part of Finding the Right Balance. Spring 2011.

Singing Our Souls

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Freelander. Reflections on Debbie Friedman's influence in the Reform Movement. Part of Tribute: Music Legend Debbie Friedman. Spring 2011.

Stem Cell Wonders

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation between Krista Tippett and Dr. Doris Taylor. Embryonic stem cell research is uncovering secrets of how we age and how we heal. Part of Focus: Ethics in a Fast-Changing World. Spring 2011.

The Decade to Come

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation with Jay Walker. We're moving into personalized medicine, wearable cell phones, and a mind-machine interface to augment human memory. Part of Focus: Ethics in a Fast-Changing World. Spring 2011.

Young Minds

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A symposium. Twelve Jewish day school students - Jonathan Bleiberg, Sterling Dixon, Alex Garnick, Bari Gold, Rebecca Greenberg, Benjamin Lee, Max Lewis, Madeline Press, Samantha Shinder, Mariel Tivoli, Jacob Tommey, and Jack Zucker - share their personal perspectives on heroism, human flaws, God, social justice, technology, and more - largely informed by the Reform Jewish day school experience. Spring 2011.

Behind Bullying: A conversation with Dale Atkins and Edythe Mencher

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Why some adults act aggressively toward others - and what to do when you think it's happening to you. Winter 2010.

Choosing Judaism: Judaism's Proselytizing Tradition: A conversation with Harold Schulweis

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

History & Torah show that Jews were encouraged to proselytize gentiles. Winter 2010.

Encouraging Conversion

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman & Vicki Farhi. How Reform congregations are successfully engaging potential Jews-by-choice. Winter 2010.

Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. I got this menorah from my grandfather, who got it from his uncle... Winter 2010.

The Chamber of Treasures

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mark Glickman. A rabbi's quest to follow the trail of the largest trove of ancient and medieval Jewish manuscripts every discovered. Winter 2010.

When Jack Pushed Jill Down the Hill: A conversation with Dale Atkins and Edythe Mencher

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Helping kids - from tots to teens - handle bullying behavior. Winter 2010.

What Works: Ideas & Initiatives

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Guardian angel for homeless couples; hydrate a child & save a life; "turkey train"; retirees' mitzvah corps; mitzvah matchmaker. Winter 2010.

The Transition

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Helen T. Cohn. A rabbi's journey of parental acceptance: "When my daughter Laura was becoming Lawrence, I told almost no one at first. I felt too astonished and ashamed." Part of Cover Story on "Living With Secrets." Fall 2010.

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Appraisals by Jonathan Greenstein. "We'd like to know more about this silver oil-burning menorah..." Fall 2010.

Living with Secrets

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Dr. Dale Atkins and Rabbi Edythe Mencher. A psychologist (Atkins) and a clinical social work psychotherapist (Mencher) explore when it is best to keep the truth to ourselves, and when to reveal what's in our hearts. Fall 2010.

Wilderness Awakening

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 GMT

A conversation with Rabbis Mike Comins, Kevin Kleinman, Jamie Korngold, and Owen Gottlieb. Our biblical ancestors first experienced God in the wilderness. What did they know that we need to rediscover? Fall 2010.

When Scott Got More Than Sue - A Discussion Guide

Fri, 07 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Alan D. Bennett. Questions about inheritance for thoughtful discussion at home and in synagogue. Summer 2010.

Debatable: Should Reform Congregations Have Kosher Kitchens?

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yes: Rabbi David M. Frank. No: Rabbi Jeff Marx. A debate between two Reform rabbis, one whose congregation has a kosher kitchen, one whose congregation does not. Summer 2010.

Inner Life: Eyes Wide Open

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Zachary Brown. I had never been as considerate as I could have been to my family until in class, a pen went through the center of my eye and I was later asked to coach Little League. Summer 2010.

Judaica: Introducing...The Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Greenstein. A behind-the-scenes look at collecting Judaica. Summer 2010.

Lifecycle: The Rabbi Who Dreaded Death

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Zoe Klein. "I have been fearful to the point of terror of my own ultimate demise." Summer 2010.

When Scott Got More Than Sue

Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Dr. Dale Atkins and Rabbi Edythe Mencher. A psychologist (Atkins) and a clinical social work psychotherapist (Mencher) talk with the RJ editors about how to preserve sh'lom bayit (family harmony) before and after the reading of the will. Summer 2010.

Debatable: Should We Adopt Dietary Restrictions to Save the Environment?

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Yes: Rabbi Barry Schwartz. No: Rabbi Cliff Librach. A debate between two Reform rabbis, both of whom reference Reform and general Jewish teachings. Spring 2010.

Family Life: When My Children Became Orthodox

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Brenda Zeller Rosenbaum. Recounts how the author and her husband found ways to honor their children's Jewish choices while maintaining and growing their own. Spring 2010.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie. "For the sake of our health, and the Earth's, let's make a Jewish decision about what we put on our plates-cutting back on red meat by 20% or more." Adaptation from the URJ president's 2009 Biennial address. Spring 2010.

A House of Prayer for All Children

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Jane E. Herman. How Reform congregations are providing Jewish enrichment to children with special needs; includes time-tested ways to offer them creative and fulfilling b'nai mitzvah ceremonies. Winter 2009.

RSS Jewish Living

Camp Unplugged

Debatable: Should We Support Physician-Assisted Suicide?

Education: What Do You Know&about Synagogues?

Invasion of the Machines

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Map: Visiting Your Family

Nation of Innovation: Cuisine

Nation of Innovation: Ecotourism

Social Action: The Making of a Greenpeace Activist

What Your Heart Can Teach You

What Works: A Shiva Registry for Mourning Families

Divinity of Dementia

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

The Higher Authority Lies Within

Were the Jews Moneylenders Out of Necessity?

Action: Involving Families with Young Children

Bar(chu) Hopping

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

My Marital Masquerade

My Secret Siblings

Pitching to Parents

The Disgrace of a Nice Jewish Girl

What Will the Neighbors Say?!

What Works: Engaging Young Professionals & New Parents

Youth Engagement: Launching the B'nai Mitzvah Revolution

Books: The Roots of Jewish Conversion

Education: What Do You Know...About Synagogues?

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Lifecycle: Holding Fast Then Letting Go

Preparing for the New You

Worship: A Classical Reformer Bows to Tradition

&And Who Is to Blame

Civility as a Spiritual Practice

Conviction with Compassion

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Lifecycle: A Home Dismantled with Devotion

Medical Ethics: The Morality of Marijuana2 Views

Portrait: Jackie Curtis Silverman

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

The Insult That Destroyed Jerusalem&

Cultivating Love

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Lessons from the Sage of Love

Love IS Stronger than Death

Through Laughter & Tears

What Works: Co-creating a Bat Mitzvah Tallit: The Ties that Bind

An Open Heart

Healing "Spiritual Deficiency Syndrome"

Judaica: Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

My Idea: Practice Inclusive Prayer

The Dalai Lama and the Chief Rabbi

The Intrinsically Good Life

They Call Me Happy. Heres Why.

At Home with Death

At the Junction of Judaism & Justice

Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Lessons in the Mirror

My Monumental Bar Mitzvah Project

Wake Up Call

Wrestling with Forgiveness

Debatable: Should Jews Support a Union's Right to Collective Bargaining?

Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Lifecycle: The Pitfalls & Passions of Middle Age

Portrait: Leanna Cossman

What Works: The House That Ryan Built

A Moral Guide to Medical Breakthroughs

And She Shall Be a Blessing

Everything in Moderation...Except Moderation

Haiti: Acts of God?

Jewish Antiques Appraisal Show

Morality: Choosing to Live, Choosing to Die

Not More Than My Place; Not Less Than My Space

Productivity vs. Procreation

Secrets of a Song Prophet

Self-Indulgence vs. Self-Denial

Singing Our Souls

Stem Cell Wonders

The Decade to Come

Young Minds

Medical Ethics: The Morality of Marijuana2 Views

They Call Me Happy. Heres Why.