Category Archives: Judaism

Elu V’Elu: Sometimes there’s more than one right answer

NOTE: This entry was cross-posted at Jewish Values Online. People often ask me questions like: What does Reform Judaism say about the afterlife? Do Reform Jews have to keep kosher? Are Reform Jews allowed to drive on Shabbat? In many cases, the answer to these questions is: “It depends.” Among the central values of ReformContinueContinue reading “Elu V’Elu: Sometimes there’s more than one right answer”

Between Holy and Ordinary (or “Why I Turn Off My Work Email on Shabbat”)

Once we were slaves. Now we are free. Shabbat is Zecher Liy’tziyat Mitzrayim – a reminder of our Exodus from slavery. On Shabbat, we are meant to embrace freedom, to throw off the shackles of the things that enslave us. As a Reform Jew, I take seriously the mitzvah of Shamor et Yom Hashabbat –ContinueContinue reading “Between Holy and Ordinary (or “Why I Turn Off My Work Email on Shabbat”)”

The Power of Jewish Camp (or “Thoughts from a Looong Drive”)

NOTE: This essay was cross posted on the rabbinical blog of Temple Kol Ami. Sitting in traffic on Highway 400, I decide that my six-year-old son has stared long enough at his iPod screen, so I try to make conversation: “So, Yair, what are you looking forward to the most at camp?” We are onContinueContinue reading “The Power of Jewish Camp (or “Thoughts from a Looong Drive”)”