A true spiritual awakening can come every time you visit a new land. For Jews, this awakening can be magnified by experiencing Jewish worship in other countries—knowing that there are many customs and methods used to serve God and celebrate the holidays from around the world. One of my most vivid memories at Hebrew University … More »
One significant engine of the world’s problems in many regards has been the transformation of news media into a form of entertainment. In too many cases, news no longer seeks to inform, but rather it seeks to be seen, to be replicated until thousands of Internet users see it. To that end, an editorial or … More »
As a student of today’s Jewish Life in Europe, I have had to think about the nature of both Israeli expatriates in European countries as well as Olim from these countries to Israel. In a globalized world where choosing your culture or separating from it is easier than it ever has been in human history, … More »
A Chinese Character that graces language menus and restaurant signs everywhere to indicate the world’s most commonly spoken language is a simple one: a rectangle split with a line down the middle: 中 This simple sign, similar to that of a cake being cut, is an interesting psychological gem. The Scandinavians may refer to their … More »
Looking at the Psalms, and the other types of Jewish prayer that followed it, there are three ways to address God. One choice is to use collective language—one example of this could be “Our God and the God of Our Forefathers” (Hebrew: Eloheinu v’Elohei Avoteinu). Another option is to keep this God for yourself, made … More »
The first day of Sukkot came with its “Hoshanot”, the promenade around the synagogue with its alphabetical chants to be heard and much flora to be seen. While looking at the ArtScroll Siddur, following each phrase as the congregation recited it, there stood one phrase that instantly took hold of my thoughts. “Om Ani Khomah” … More »
A week after being asked to gather thoughts to write about the High Holidays, I found myself at a café in Heidelberg, very pensive. While wondering what approach to take with the endless topic “Yamim Noraim”, more accurately translated as “The Terrible Days” (when have you last seen that translation in writing?), a sudden awakening was provided … More »