Religion
Parashat Shmini: Guarding a pure heart
The Hebrew word timtum means “blockage” or “dullness.” Forbidden foods can lead to this blockage – to emotional numbness and a diminished ability to perceive spiritual depth.
Long Island town ordered to pay $19M after blocking Chabad synagogue construction
Mordecai Kaplan's Reconstructionism: A vision of American Judaism that struggles to grow - review
Canadians pray for Jerusalem as Parliament penalizes quoting the Bible - opinion
Netzach Yehuda's CNN altercation: Why religion is driving Israel toward extremism - opinion
After a tumultuous journey of deconstructing my past, I am now a vocal critic of both hardline religion and the contradictions inherent in trying to create a democratic nation-state.
Freedom under fire: What Passover means in a time of war - comment
In a year of war, Jewish holidays reflect reality, where freedom is less about ideals and more about safety and survival.
Passover reimagined: How Jews reinterpret freedom at the Seder table
Passover celebrates liberty, tradition, and the evolving ways we mark the Seder night.
Coming home: Traveling from Maine to Israel during the Iran war
A modern exodus unfolds as a rabbi navigates flights, borders, and devotion to reach Israel.
Freedom is not free: Passover 5786 in the shadow of war - opinion
This Passover, Jews sit at the Seder table amid sirens, reflecting on freedom, oppression, and existential threats in today’s world.
Seder night: A crumpled white shirt reveals Passover’s deeper meaning
Rav Amital’s lesson shows that even a rushed Seder can be meaningful and spiritually powerful.
The Seder’s message: Why we diminish our joy for others’ pain on Passover
The spilling of wine at the Seder lessens joy to recognize that freedom came with suffering and calls for empathy toward all.
Passover Seder night: The deeper meaning of matzah and the urgency of the Exodus
“When a mitzvah comes to your hand, do not let it ‘become leavened.’”
Flying frogs, Seder spins: Unique Passover traditions from Jews around the world
From playful rituals to cherished stories, public figures share how they make their Passover Seders.
On Passover, former Gaza hostages say freedom 'takes on a different meaning' - interview
Former hostages David Cunio and Keith Siegel return home, discovering a deeper, personal meaning of freedom this Passover.
