A meaningful Yom Kippur: a Jewish educator’s take on the holiday

I feel that there is something artificial and forced about setting aside one day every year for us to admit our mistakes and ask forgiveness from others. This should be done every day! Just feeling that I am “required” to sit in synagogue, pray with more intensity than normal, and pour out my soul to God (or maybe just acknowledging my soul’s existence to myself) makes me feel less motivated to do just that. Yet, this is what Yom Kippur asks us to do.

Written by on August 15, 2022

Noshin’ Recipe: Every New Year Needs Apple Pie

This treat screams love — like warm-hugs-from-your-mom-when-you-came-home-from-elementary-school love. Love that accepts you in sweatpants — in public. It says “I don’t need to impress you, I know you love me already (with or without this pie).” And that’s the way I want to start my new year — with some unconditional love. And pie.

Written by on August 15, 2022

40 New Year’s Eves

Make it fun, make it something you look forward to each year. And above all, write everything down! You think you will remember the details from year to year. You won’t.

Written by on August 12, 2022

Lucky New Year’s Cake

I put a Jewish spin on the cake by making the coin baked in the middle a down-payment on a gift to charity, a gift of tzedakah for the New Year. Tis’ better to give than receive, right?

Written by on August 12, 2022