Holiness is obviously one of those almost intangible concepts which we can imagine through association. Yom Kippur, which includes fasting and praying, is the Holiest day of the year. When we draw near something holy, like the Western Wall, there is a sense of wonder and awe. This is reflected in the Hebrew word for holy “kodosh” which is separate. However, there can be a misunderstanding about this word. Is holiness really about being set apart and separate? This may seem to connote a kind of coldness or distance. True, holiness inspires the kind of awe which may cause us … Continue reading →

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 →

My son came home from watching a huge bonfire last night, but he didn’t roast hot dogs or marshmallows. This was a bonfire in honor of the Jewish holiday Lag B’Omer, a holiday that celebrates the joys of learning and the light given to the world by a great leader. It is the day Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai left this world, and we light bonfires because at his passing, a fire went up to heaven, and the fire also represents the light of Torah which was given to the world. Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai lived when the Romans occupied Judea, … Continue reading →

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 →

As the countdown to Passover begins, I am sweeping up the last of the crumbs and putting the spanking clean Passover dishes out. It’s a great time of year. The flowers are in bloom and the snow of course has melted. But there’s one more thing I’ve forgetten. Ah, yes… the book of Passover recipes I brought with me from Israel. Actually, they were given to me when I was a little girl from my grandmother who died in 1995 in hopes that I would follow in her footsteps in bringing to life a Jewish kitchen that undoubtably was centered … Continue reading →

Passover can be a challenge for feeding finicky eaters. I have an four year old who once upon a time ate everything in sight (as his eighteen month old brother does now), but now he is very set on things he likes and does not like. He insists that he only likes rice, pasta, cake (things we don’t eat on Passover) so I was wondering how on Earth I would he would manage on a holiday during which we don’t eat any leavened food. It is an additional custom (or stringency) that my family also refrains from processed foods on … Continue reading →

If you’ve been preparing for Passover the last few weeks, undoubtedly, you have been out shopping, spending more than usual and cleaning the house from top to bottom. Even for those who don’t prepare for the holiday, there is usually a lot of work to do in the springtime, as companies decide to revamp their management style and business model. Many people spring clean and rethink their lives during this time. I often think this is one of the reasons why Passover falls in the Spring, since Spring is a time to throw out what is not working, adopting new … Continue reading →

It happens to me every year. I think to myself “I’ve done this before,” (we’re not counting how many times). While I wouldn’t claim to be an old pro at the Passover Seder, I’m not exactly a neophyte, and I know without looking to prepare salt water for dipping and the rest of the trimmings. However, there is always something (or two things or three or five things) that catch me by surprise as if by the first time. Once, I will confess that I nearly forgot the cup for Eliyahu until my 3 year old graciously reminded me. Even … Continue reading →

There is something refreshing and purifying about a good Spring Clean. Sure, it may cause you to work up a little sweat, or to feel a bit tired, but few things are as satisfying as the result of tackling months of clutter collected through cabin fever, frustration and winter inertia. Everything feels so new and I can really live again after scrubbing grime (the question is finding time for it). Jews have a spring cleaning, but it is not just a typical airing out of mattresses or scrubbing screens. Before the holiday of Passover, it is a commandment to rid … Continue reading →

Happy Purim, everyone! Many people are not familiar with this holiday, which was once considered a minor holiday, and now is being elevated to the forefront of the Jewish calendar. One reason for this is the increased interest in the mystical aspects of Torah, or the Kabbala, which tells us that Purim is akin to Yom Kippur. Once could hardly imagine two holidays that are more different. Yom Kippur is dedicate to fasting and praying, while on Purim, we dress in costumes, eat meat, drink wine, exchange gifts of food and money to the poor and celebrate (and many drink). … Continue reading →