Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic in Retrospect, Part III: Bad Timing
This week, let’s attack something a little more mundane: scheduling of the school day. ...
Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic in Retrospect, Part II: No Literature Created Equal
An Analysis of the Clashes Between Judaic and Secular Studies in the Jewish Day School ...
"Acts" of Charity
At a small shul in an affluent neighborhood in Chicago there is a battered silver tzidakah box that sits in the main sanctuary. ...
Reading, ‘Riting, and ‘Rithmetic in Retrospect, Part I: Introduction
An Analysis of the Clashes Between Judaic and Secular Studies in the Jewish Day School ...
The Symbolism of a Diamond Dreidel
Last Monday, Mervis Diamond Importers unveiled the world first ever Diamond Dreidel. When I saw this piece of Judaica, I first thought about what a Dreidel meant to me, followed by the thought of how much more meaningful a Diamond Dreidel could be. The Hebrew letters on the Dreidel represent the different parts of life we will all inevitably encounter. The “Nun” and “Shin” ...
Washington Jewish Federation Closes Its Doors on Fridays
In what must have been a very difficult yet ultimately responsible decision, the Greater Washington Jewish Federation has announced that it will be officially closing its offices each Friday starting October 1st. I say Bravo. If the Federation can cut its costs for now in this way, then it can keep the many people doing the important work of this community employed. While I am sure no one wants to earn less, it is ...
Who Hates Who?
The following is a letter to the editor of an imaginary paper that would only be read by people who understand that I mean well, and who know that I write this as a humble teacher moved to teach: Dear Editor: If a friend of yours confided that she had several relationships with men all of whom abused her; you would offer that while one abusive relationship can happen by ...
An Olah Without a Parachute XII
There is a war going on in our country. Fathers, brothers, sons, cousins and friends are leaving their families to go fight this war. The people left behind remain worried, nervous and on edge. They brace for the worst and pray for the best. Wars are different when your life is touched by it - when you know the soldiers fighting. In Jerusalem, our lives are not affected physically by what's going on, at least ...
Bad Karma?
Is it possible that even when you do the right thing it will bring you negative consequences? Imagine that your Aunt walks into the room, this is the first time you have seen her since she became ill. She looks gaunt and pail, but you want to cheer her up so you tell her that she looks great. She smiles and says you’re just saying that, but you can tell it pleased ...
An Olah Without A Parachute: Chanukah edition
Happy Chanukah!! It is really such a delight to walk down the streets in Israel and see all the lit menorot that the municipality puts up. There are shining chanukiot on the street lights and Chabad has put up their menorah sans fire truck in the center of town. The chanukah cheer is further reinforced by the amount of sufganiyot consumed. For some reason these fried doughnuts bring a joy and happiness that surpass all other ...
