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The invitation of mussar is to be mindful and respectful of the burdens on others

The Hebrew word for service,"avodah," is the same word we use for both work and worship. This is not an accident.

When I think about Hanukkah, the theme that resonates most deeply is that of translation. As a child, I wholeheartedly bought into the idea that Hanukkah was a sort of Jewish Christmas… and not just because of the presents.    

Happiness. We all want and seek it and yet this elusive emotion is so difficult to attain—and even more difficult to sustain. 

The legends we pass on to our children teach us about the possibility of miracles all around us—each and every day.  

At this time of year, I like to be outside while the sun sets. When the days are short, there is something especially lovely about witnessing light fade.

During the first days of November, I begin to travel into my “Thanksgiving mode.” Before I ever dreamt about becoming a rabbi, this meant trying to transform the day into something more for my family. Thanksgiving was the one American holiday that made sense to me—even as a person who generally resisted thinking about the ways that life had been fulfilling.

Food rituals reflect different facets of Judaism – some tie me closer to God, some to Torah and some to my people.

We asked and you answered! 

It left a sour taste in my mouth to know that my food could be technically kosher but have unjust origins. I wanted another dimension for my brakhah.