Judaism
Passover and Stay Awhile
What a difference a year makes. Last year I was Passoverwrought. This year, I saw Pesach coming--and happily counted the days.
Mike Doyle
Mike Doyle is a longtime autistic, gay, Jewish, Disnerd Chicago blogger.
Judaism
Lessons to Be Learned from All Streams of Judaism
I do not believe our tradition teaches us to delegitimize other Jews. If you refuse to peer beyond the edge of a denominational box, how can you build a bridge?
Judaism
Orthodox Blogger Bullies
Last week, small-minded blogger bullies used their Orthodoxy as an excuse to silence a well-known, inter-denominational blogging voice for refusing to believe that fear and loathing are at the center of Judaism.
Life
The Great Migration
Seven years living in downtown Chicago ends Wednesday in a seven-mile trip up Lake Shore Drive. The life and times of this former New Yorker now continue in Edgewater. That is, if we make it there.
Judaism
The Amidah Project
Finding the still, small voice in a silent Amidah? Worth its weight in gold. Finding that silent Amidah in a Reform synagogue? Priceless. Explaining how finding that still, small voice feels? Worth a new blog series.
Marina City
Marina City Parting Gift: A(nother) Flood to Remember (VIDEO)
Yesterday I thought I shared my last thoughts on Marina City. But today, Chicago's infamously flood-prone corncobs decided to have one more watery word.
Marina City
The End of Marina City
In 2005 this blog began with the subtitle, 'The life and times of a former New Yorker living in downtown Chicago.' I've almost left downtown twice since then. At the end of this month, I finally will. I'm heading to Edgewater--and realizing more than just my address is moving on.
My Conversion Journey
Free to Be Jew and Me
You--yes, you, and no one else--are in charge of your Judaism. Every Jewish choice you will ever be faced with is yours to decide, not your movement's to decide for you. For prospective converts, that includes deciding on the type of Jew you want to be.
Judaism
Right to Be Jewish on Your Own Terms
Some liberal Jews fear leading traditional Jews 'astray' by wearing a kippah during traditionally non-permitted activities. I have one question. Why should liberal Jews limit themselves to fit the comfort zone of someone else's Jewish movement?
Judaism
Back on the Pig
For thousands of years, Judaism's dietary laws kept us from sharing meals with hostile parties who wanted us to assimilate. But what's the point of avoiding bacon cheeseburgers in 2012?
Judaism
Carmen Elena Doyle, z''l, 1929-1996
As we live our days, these are the ways we remember. This Shabbat, I remember my mother.
Judaism
Eight Nights to Renew Your Inner Jewish Child
Happy Chanukah to all my readers! The festival of lights is a good time to remember our Jewish holidays are for everyone. So even if you're over 12, light that chanukiyah with pride. All eight nights.