Rosh Hashanah
This Holy Day comes once a year
With prayers and begging and pleading and tears,
Laughter
One important factor in helping us laugh is not taking yourself too seriously.
Combat Boots
They called the colt Unbridled Song.
His father's name was Unbridled, his mother's Trolley Song. The colt loved to run, with an energy and spirit that stretched into an endless melody of wind and pounding hooves and the freedom of the open track. They hoped he would become a champion.
Queen Esther
I can feel the fear pulsing through my veins, blocking out everything around me. I walk down the long, unembellished hall, which is dimly lit with fiery torches at every bend. I can’t help but wonder if it was purposely built this way to terrorize me. As I slowly edge towards the doors, I keep telling myself it’s going to be fine…but what if it’s not? I can feel my stomach twisting as I turn the last corner and come to a complete stop.
LOL
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the oldest recorded use of LOL was in the 1960s and it referred “little old lady.” LOL was first used for its official meaning in the 1980s.
Give Me The Words
Help me and the rest of them
Know what I really mean.
The Match That Set The World Ablaze
Watching people a few hundred feet up in the air, walking or bicycling on a string has always astonished me. Regardless of the science behind it (using a long pole as a means of forcing one's center of gravity onto the string) does nothing to subtract from the magnificence of the act.
Around The World In Three Hundred Days: Reflections On A Year In Israel
As a person who grew up close to New York City, where everything is impressive and accessible, I never felt much of a need to go anywhere. In typical New York fashion, I considered local parks sufficient greenery, and never thought about traveling to places where the sky might be visible or that might have clean air. So it is not surprising that until last year the extent of my world travel consisted of several trips upstate, going to visit friends in New Jersey and Connecticut, and a couple of trips to Boston.
Thoughts On Synagogue Terror
I am naive, but only in an optimistic sense, seeing the good in the world like only a 20-year old can.
At Bubbie’s House
The warm breadcrumb chicken is like a warm sunny day in the middle of winter. And even the sweet potatoes and pickles taste better.
The Death Of Klinghoffer
They are presented as freedom fighters attempting to further their cause, and not as the bloodthirsty murders they were.
Writer Profile: Elke Weiss
Karen Greenberg: Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
Elke Weiss: I grew up in Manhattan Beach, in Brooklyn. I now...
Say What?
It was September 25, 2006. Tammy, an oblivious, petite, third grader lay in bed, counting her stationary collection, when she decided she needed a drink. As she descended the staircase, she was surprised to see her mother dressed in this bubby-like gown.
Kashrut
Hashem gave the Jewish people the special privilege to keep kashrut. Kashrut is a decree that we just do because God commanded us to; we do not understand why we are doing it. When one keeps kashrut, he only eats pure, fit, and halachically permitted food. Even when one eats non-kosher food unintentionally, the non-kosher food becomes a part of a person and has harmful effects. Hashem is making us keep kashrut because He loves us; Hashem only wants the best for us and our health.
A Knotty Situation
Unless you are one of the lucky few who were born with picture perfect hair
immune to frizz and flyaway's, you have got a few curly hair problems - just like me.
Frozen Tears
The girl that can’t cry
has a heart so cold
buried under frozen tears
rhythm; untold.
The Stones
The ground of the Beis HaMikdash,
which will soon take its appointed place.
We Created A Museum!
From the moment Israel was declared a Jewish state, it has been the subject of controversy and struggle.
The Wounded Sparrow’s Message
My friend’s mother died the other day. I went to the funeral, cried with the mourners, walked the traditional four cubits following the coffin to escort the dead to their resting place, as is customary at Jewish funerals, and then went over to my friend to offer my condolences. And then it was over. The guests went home, the family went to bury their loved one, and I went back to my life.
Too Fragile a Dream
A dream,
A shining ball of brilliance
Held lovingly in my palm
Its sparkle shone with
The edges of my tears.
Auschwitz-Birkenau: A Merger Of Silence And Speech
As I powerfully belted out the song, Ani Maamin B’emunah Sheleima – which means “I believe in God with full faith” – a thought suddenly crossed my mind.
Good Bye, Coney Island
Prepare for something that will change the lively atmosphere of Coney Island forever.
Casinos may be coming to your neighborhood! This must be stopped!
Holy Man
This man, who is coming to speak to all of you today, is a holy man.
Roots And Fruits
What made this apple decay and grow mold,
This is a message for both young and old.
True Friends, Traveling 700 Miles
From the gmail statuses and e-mail forwards I get, it seems like everyone has some idea of what true friendship is all about.
Get Smart!
Playing a musical instrument can help build faith in yourself as you observe yourself do something splendidly.
The Lion of Judah Rises
Many Jewish people, including myself, avoid Holocaust movies because it is far too painful to watch the dehumanization of those we love. Still, facing what is painful is an important part of life. “Lion of Judah” is not an easy film to watch, but for the next generation it will be a valuable resource for educating children in a world without survivors. More importantly, it is centered on the incredible, Leo Zisman, the Lion of Judah.
A Life Of Music
“I was so inspired by the beautiful lessons I learned and by the holiness around me that I just couldn't stop writing songs!” she says.
Up And Down The East Coast On Torah Tours
Some of the thoughts we generally associate with Shavuot relate to the tradition of learning Torah all night or the almost overwhelming amount of dairy food that is consumed over the course of the two-day holiday. It has become a routine, something we do every year as the weather starts turning warmer and our Sefirat HaOmer calendars come to an end.
Redemption
Picture a family full of smiles, and joy. See all the moments they spend together and support each other, through blessed times and difficult ones. Picture the holidays filled with warmth and laughter, and the Shabbat... But then something destroys the serenity.