Connecting With My Child and My Jewish Identity in the Midst of Trauma
As I watched my son play, my mind would drift to mothers in Israel whose toddlers were no longer able to do so. My heart broke for the parents and young children who were caught in the crossfire of the war for no reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
How the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting and Processing Grief Led Me to Heller High – and Changed My Life
I became bat mitzvah on October 27, 2018. It was both one of the best and worst days of my life. At the same time I was on the bima at my home congregation of Temple Emanuel in Greensboro, NC, a gunman at another community in Pittsburgh walked into the Tree of Life Synagogue and killed 11 Jewish people.
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Crypto-Foods: A Warm Embrace and the Triumph of Survival
During the Spanish Inquisition, there were plenty of ways that one could be identified as a Jew. One way people would identify their neighbors as Jews was observing whether they would eat non-kosher food that was popular with the Christian population such as pork, sausage, or fish without scales.
How to Respond to Antisemitic or Anti-Israel Posts Online
We have seen a number of deeply troubling posts on social media that are antisemitic, anti-Israel, and/or contain misinformation or disinformation. Many people have reached out asking how to respond. While this is by no means a complete guide, we hope it will help you as you face this.
How to Talk to Your Children about Israel and Terrorism: A Toolbox
On October 7, 2023 / 23 Tishrei 5784, on Shabbat Sh'mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza. Here are seven tips that may help you navigate discussing these acts of terrorism and violence with your children.
The Holy Act of Caring for our Bodies: The Importance of Breast Cancer Testing Early and Often
October is breast cancer awareness month. Talk to family members about whether there is a history of cancer on either side. Schedule a BRCA test if you have not already been tested.
Judgment Days
Some label Rosh HaShanah and the period between the New Year and Yom Kippur as "Judgment Days," a time during which the trajectory of our lives for the coming year is reached.
Enhancing Mitzvot on Simchat Torah with Three Nature Crafts for Children
As summer changes to autumn in St. Louis, we seek ways to find nature-based connections in celebration of Simchat Torah.
Jewish Women at War: Golda, You're So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
Two very different Jewish films have emerged on the 2023 late summer film scene. One depicts the trials and tribulations of a 75-year-old legislator during the greatest crisis of her life, the other portrays a 12-year-old girl on the cusp of adulthood.
Simple Ways to Make Yom Kippur Meaningful at Home with Young Children
As the high holidays approach, we are reminded that there are so many meaningful Jewish moments to celebrate. Within the joy and ruach (spirit) of holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, lies the solemn and serious Yom Kippur. There are a myriad of ways to make Yom Kippur meaningful for young children, for whom especially, Yom Kippur is not an easy holiday to understand.
