People choose to become members of a religious organization for a variety of reasons. These may include the search for a sense of community, pursuit of spiritual growth or personal accountability, access to support during difficult times, the opportunity to serve others and live by a set of moral values, and to deepen their connection to faith and belief.
Essentially, they seek a group that provides a framework for living a meaningful life.
Happy Tu B’shvat, the Jewish Birthday of the Trees!
This year, the holiday (15 of Shevat on the Jewish calendar) begins on Wednesday evening, Feb. 12, and extends through sundown Thursday, Feb. 13.
In Israel — and other areas with a Mediterranean climate — almond trees begin to bloom and spring is in the air. Although spring will not be with us for a few months here in the Midwest, we reflect on the meaning of this holy occasion in the days and weeks to come.
The recently concluded week before Thanksgiving gave my Ohio family the opportunity to fly out of town and reunite with relatives on the East Coast for both a simcha (joyous celebration) and an unveiling ceremony (memorial following the one-year anniversary of the death of my beloved Aunt Becky).
With gratitude for sharing those occasions with family, my thoughts shifted to the month of Kislev, which brings preparations for Hanukkah.
As winter approaches, each day becomes colder and darker, and the change can be disconcerting. Although we prepare for the joy of Hanukkah during this time, we experience a reduction of light in our days, which evokes somber emotions.
We look forward to the traditional latkes (potato pancakes) or sufganiot (fried donuts), festive songs and feelings of warmth and comfort that the season brings. We celebrate the joy of a home with loved ones, but we also commemorate the history of our ancient Temple that after being destroyed was rededicated. We search for value and meaning in these moments.
Zane Winter has emerged from the studio with new craft items for his Bar Mitzvah project to benefit Magen David Adom, the Israeli emergency medical service providing lifesaving efforts during Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas.
Zane began his work shortly after the October 7 terrorist attack against Israel. He hopes to continue to share images of love and peace as a countermeasure to harsh rhetoric and images of conflict.