Tag Archives: Jewish life

Hallel, Tachanun and Yom HaAtzmaut

Posted on May 6, 2014 by Rabbi Joshua

Today Israel celebrated 66 years of existence! Mazel tov to her and all her citizens, as well as to those who love Israel around the world. It is indeed a time to celebrate. Of course those years have been filled … Continue reading →

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Synagogues as Greenhouses

Posted on July 11, 2013 by Rabbi Joshua

We, however, are Your people, partners to Your covenant, descendants of Your beloved Abraham to whom You made a pledge on Mount Moriah. We are the heirs of Isaac, his son, bound upon the altar. We are Your firstborn people, … Continue reading →

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10 Reasons Superman is Jewish

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Rabbi Joshua

The Jewish Daily Forward had a great article this morning in honor of Superman’s 75th birthday offering 10 reasons why Superman is really Jewish. We’ve blogged before about the ‘Jewishness’ of superheroes and comic books, and of the creators behind … Continue reading →

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Happy 65th, Israel!

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Rabbi Joshua

Today Israel celebrates is 65th Anniversary! After nearly 2,000 years in exile, Israel as a nation was re-birthed in 1948. Sixty-five years later we recall not only the miracle of her existence but the cost of her resurrection. Yesterday was Yom HaZikaron – … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Day: Humility and Gratitude

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Rabbi Joshua

“Dressed in our sartorial finery, sitting around a table bedecked with silver goblets and our best china, surrounded by loving family and friends while eating a gourmet dinner and drinking vintage wines, what better time to be reminded of our … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Day: A Delicate Balance

Posted on March 24, 2013 by Rabbi Joshua

“The classical explanation for breaking a glass at the end of the wedding is to recall the destruction of Jerusalem. As the glass is broken, everyone screams out Mazel Tov! There is something peculiar, not only about recalling an historic tragedy … Continue reading →

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Learning as Worship

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Rabbi Joshua

Learning within Judaism is more than simply the acquisition of information … it is a form of worship. We have nearly 3,000 years’ worth of texts, layers of conversations, all grappling with our most sacred Scripture. For us as Jews, … Continue reading →

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Hitbodedut: Praying in Solitude

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Rabbi Joshua

Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, a great-grandson of the Baal Shem Tov, and founder of Breslover Chassidus, breathed new life into Judaism by combining the mystical elements of Chassidus with in-depth Torah scholarship. In addition to regular davening from the Siddur, Rebbe Nachman … Continue reading →

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Rethinking Jewish Prayer, Part III

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Rabbi Joshua

Practical Suggestions A few days ago, in the first post, we discussed our re-engagement with Jewish prayer, describing how we are not just reciting meaningless words, or remembering something that happened in the past. Rather, Jewish prayer is a re-enactment of … Continue reading →

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Rethinking Jewish Prayer, Part II

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Rabbi Joshua

Yesterday we began discussing our re-engagement with Jewish prayer. As the High Holidays quickly approach, it is important to think deeper about prayer. We are not just reciting meaningless words, or remembering something that happened in the past. Jewish prayer … Continue reading →

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