Author Archives: Dorit Sasson

American Idol and Jewish History

Yesterday I got to thinking what could possibly be a common denominator between the favorite TV show American Idol and figures of Jewish history? Young people, particularly today, look for role models in ways that I, as a child of the 70’s, didn’t need to look for. Today, there seems to be this criteria going around for successful role models whether you are Jewish or not. Worst off, is the public’s reaction when a role model looses that one effervescent quality that made him or her famous. Oh and one more thing, you’ve got to fill in the shoes of … Continue reading →

The Light of A Jewish Birthday

Yesterday I attended a Jewish birthday event for a friend who organizes monthly women’s events all throughout the year. She was the first real person I had gotten to know during my first few weeks in Pittsburgh. Literally for me, she was the light as I got to know other women of the Jewish community, learn a few insights on Judasim and kabbalah and participate in a little activity. In a circle, she told us how each one of us represented the light for her – our own little “neshama” or, soul. Each one of us represents the light for … Continue reading →

What’s Your Weekly Mitzvah?

What gives you a sense of Jewish unity, community and knowledge of who you are and how far back you have come? Mitzvahs are one way for me to feel an essence of good by helping someone out in need. Yesterday at the Squirrel Hill library in Pittsburgh, I spent parts of the later afternoon reading to a three year old boy for a non-profit book organization. It was entirely voluntary. Jewish life is all about values evolving around family and children and since my immediate family is in Israel, I try and find ways to help children. I constantly … Continue reading →

Shavuot Has Other Names Too

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Since Shavuot is a minor holiday, many don’t know of its signficance especially those Jews living in the Diaspora. So here’s a bit about the holiday considering that it is known by three other names. The holiday of Shavuot, or ‘weeks’ in English, arrives exactly 49 weeks after the Passover seder. These 49 weeks are the counting of the Omer, during which time the wheat and barley ripen and are ready to be harvested on Shavuot. Jews in know Shavuot as ‘hag habikkurim’ or, the holiday of the first fruits. The holiday again, shows the intricate bond between the land … Continue reading →

The Power of a Jewish Leader

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Ruth was one of those characters in Jewish religion that I grew up not knowing enough about. It is only now, many years later, that I have come to appreciate her lessons and what she can offer us as Jewish modern women. She brought the messianic dynasty to completion by continuing the royal lineage. Of course nor I or any of my friends and family come close to the level of spiritual purity Ruth exemplified in those days, but we are also living in different times where we often judge others by their appearance and how much we are worth … Continue reading →

Celebrating Shavuot

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Along with Succott, Shavuot is my favorite holiday of the year. Judaism 101 provides a fairly decent level of information for those unaware about the importance of Shavuot with modern day Judaism. Shavuot like other holidays such as Purim is considered to be a minor holiday but there are major principles and lessons people can learn from the Torah and apply them all throughout the year. It’s hard to eat a cheesecake and not remember fully the importance of good or hesed as exemplified by the remarkable Jewish leader Ruth in the book of Ruth which is read during this … Continue reading →

Modern Day Torah Teachings

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Very recently, we called Israel to wish my father a happy birthday – well, my son did him the honors. When the three year old got tired of wishing him a happy birthday, my father asked the next predicted question: “are you staying in Pittsburgh?” With family so far away, it’s hard to make sense of emotional territory that goes along with immigranthood – such as the life I am living now. It is times like these I need a higher spiritual reign or order of things to provide spiritual balance and give perspective. So I turn to the book … Continue reading →

Soup Memories

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What good is a Jewish blog without at least some nominal discussion or reference to food? Even though we are approaching Shavuout, I had a craving for matzo ball soup, the same kind my grandmother used to make for me. Eating soup in the early months of springtime appeals to me just as much as in the winter. The only problem is that if you take a peep at my shelves, you’ll understand why I decided to blog about my kitchen. There’s the matzo ball mix package and the matzo meal I bought from the Kosher supermarket down the street … Continue reading →

Jewish Organization Help Earthquake Victims

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In my last blog post, I wrote about the Chabad and its mission to help women with a focus on mothers, from all walks of Jewish life understand the concept of unconditional love and how it translates into a religious context. I mention Chabad once again, but this time in the face of a natural disaster. Once again, unfortunately, Jewish organizations are responding to a world plea to help the earthquake victims in China. The Chabad is one major Jewish organization with a mission – to help all Jews in need. It is during sad times like these that make … Continue reading →

The Truth of Enslavement

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Do you sometimes find yourself dreaming of freely expressing your truth and contributing your unique mark in the world only to meet up with your inner critic that tells you you’d better have it perfect before you take your next step? The Passover theme of enslavement is a captivating one which has implications for freeing one’s mind and setting new life goals. How we respond to those inner voices can make the difference between living with a silent sense of inner slavery or courageously freeing them through compassion and acceptance of human imperfection. The prophetess Miriam, led the Hebrews in … Continue reading →