Shul-Shopping? Don’t Do It Now
A couple of years ago during the High Holidays, I was approached by someone visiting my synagogue for the first time. I welcomed him, and he said he and his wife were looking for a synagogue. “We...
View ArticleHow I Ended Up Delivering the Sermon on Rosh Hashanah
Over the summer, Larry, the organizer of the minyan that I attend for Rosh Hashanah, sent out an email asking for suggestions of how to be more inclusive of women during the Rosh Hashanah and Yom...
View ArticleWhat Are You Doing Tomorrow?
As a rabbi who is blessed with the humbling privilege of leading her congregation, after the High Holy Days have passed, I wonder: Were the souls in attendance inspired by the services, or inhibited by...
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Ginger Glazed Lamb and Beef Lollipops
Any person who has visited Israel knows that a stroll through the shuk (Israeli market) is a multi-sense experience: the bright colors, the sweet and spicy smells, the mix of loud voices and of course...
View ArticleThrowback Thursday: Texas for the Holidays
After the end of my two-year term as an ISJL Education Fellow, I moved back to Massachusetts to begin rabbinical school at Hebrew College. While I have been so happy to be back in my great home state,...
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Brisket-Stuffed Papas Rellenas Recipe
Cooking enough for an army has been a long established tradition of Jewish mothers across the globe, but mine takes it to a new level. I can’t think of a meal prepared by my mother where there wasn’t...
View ArticleI’ll Take All The New Years I Can Get
Several years ago, I was at a chain drugstore in Jackson, Mississippi, running some last-minute errands as I prepared to host a New Year’s Eve party. As I walked past the greeting card aisle, a Star of...
View ArticleWhy I Love (Even Secular) New Year’s Celebrations
It is easy to be dismissive of any grand significance to New Year’s. Sure, it is fun–an excuse to gather together with family and friends, drink copious amounts of champagne, and watch others freeze...
View ArticleIt’s Easy to Make a Resolution. But How Can We Keep It?
While a new secular year and a new Jewish year have some significant differences (you don’t drink champagne in synagogue, and there’s no sermon to listen to on December 31st), there’s one strong...
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How to Braid Challah for Shabbat, Holidays or Anytime
It’s a new year, and if braiding challah has always scared you away from the task, then now is the time to take the bull by the horns, or the dough by its, well, doughy-ness. Braiding challah can seem...
View ArticleJust Do It: A High Holy Day Call to Action
As High Holy Day tides approach and soon over-wash with their poignant waters of joy, awe, solemnity and introspection, it’s tempting to imagine that this season is only for emotional and spiritual...
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15 Vegan Dishes to Serve at Rosh Hashanah
These vegetable-forward dishes aren’t just for vegans–they’re so delicious that everyone will want some! For your meatless dishes this year, consider seasonal vegetables and grains, accented with...
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11 Rosh Hashanah Appetizers That Are Easy and Delicious
Start off your Rosh Hashanah meal this year with some good noshing! Who doesn’t love to have a variety of snacks to nosh on before the meal? These five appetizers will come together in a cinch, and...
View ArticleInspiration
When we open our eyes in the morning, when we are confronted with challenges, when we seek to create beauty, when we seek understanding and insight, encouragement and wholeness and some reasonable...
View ArticleSpiritual Not Religious at Rosh Hashanah
Shabbat dinner with young university students can be an adventure. My husband and I warm them up with a few glasses of kiddush wine and we learn a lot about their inner lives. Sometimes we host our son...
View ArticleRosh Hashanah: Get Woke
During the High Holiday period, we expect a great deal from ourselves. Putting aside the business of material holiday preparation (meals! more meals! house cleaning for guests!) we also understand this...
View ArticleRosh Hashanah from the Other Side
How would I have experienced Rosh Hashanah if I were sitting on the men’s side of the mechitza? Would it have mattered? Would I have paid more attention? Would I have paid attention to who was...
View ArticleOne Small Sound for Women, One Large Blast for Womankind.
On the first day of Rosh Hashana I was invited to call the kolot (sounds) for the shofar. I must admit, I didn’t have a clue what I was getting into. Our shul differs from many others – rather than...
View ArticleReflections on Liturgy of the High Holy Days
We spent the whole morning of prayers during the High Holidays on our pleas for forgiveness from God, and our praises to Him for all that He does. The prayer that really spoke to me this year was at...
View ArticleShabbat Chicken with Dried Fruit Recipe
I have served this chicken on Rosh Hashanah for years, and it’s a go-to for a quick and easy Shabbat recipe. The chicken gets caramelized from the glossy and delicious sauce. It’s best when marinated...
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