Why I’m Not Fasting on Yom Kippur
As we Jews approach the commandments, first we do and then we year. But what happens when we *don’t* hear? And when the mitzvah in question is the Yom Kippur fast?
CHICAGO CARLESS
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Search results for ‘passover’
Omer Is My Siddur? (Alone on a Shelf)
Using Judaism’s traditional seven-week period of mourning as inspiration to return to a ‘three-a-day the Jewish way’ prayer practice.
Personal Pesach Posek
How the Sadducees, the Sanhedrin, and Sweet Brown led Ryan and me to a observe a seven-day Passover holiday.
What Would Jesus Not Do?
It’s amazing how much we’re willing as a human race to insult and hurt each other–and ultimately, ourselves–often mortally so, just to prove that the things we believe are right.
Oh Where, Omer, Has My Shaven Face Gone?
The Omer countdown from Pesach to Shavuot anticipates the celebration of receiving the Torah at Sinai and honors unhappier moments in Jewish history. Last year I ignored it. This year, I threw out my razor.
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?
First You Do (the High Holy Days), and Then You Hear
The High Holy Days that marked the beginning of 5772 also marked the end of my first observed Jewish year. I expected the Days of Awe to be fulfilling. But what was missing turned out to be the best part of all.
My Conversion Story
In summer 2010, I began a journey to join the Jewish people. I blogged about my experience throughout the journey, and officially became a Jewish man in spring 2011. It was both the greatest change and greatest commitment I’ve ever made. In less than a year, I literally went from […]
Become a Jew in 28 Easy Books: My Conversion Reading List
Study is a central part of every decision to join the Jewish people. How central? How about 7,000 pages? Here is a list of the 28 books I read during the nine months of my conversion journey to become a Reform Jew.
How We Make a Jew
I’m ready. The date is set. Thirty days from today I’ll be a Jew. Here’s a look at the rituals I’ll undergo on May 12th to make my conversion journey to join the Jewish people official.