A central practice of Judaism is studying Torah, which includes the commentaries and Midrash and sometimes other topics grounded in our sacred texts.
Recently, I began subscribing to the My Jewish Learning series on studying Torah.
Yes, you can read on your own, but the dialogue in any learning situation is what makes learning richer.
The PBS program “There Are Jews Here” follows the untold stories of four once-thriving American Jewish communities that are now barely holding on. As communities struggle with aging congregants and dwindling interest, families are moving to larger cities with more robust congregations.
A portrait of people who are doing their part to keep the Jewish spirit alive, the film celebrates religious diversity in small-town America.
Beyond that description, I found the 90-minute show to provide an excellent representation of our own experience and many of the ideas we have tried or considered in order to encourage engagement.
Recently, Cathy and Steve Jolliff sent a contribution in memory of Dr. Jack Weinbaum.
I sent the notice to Bobbie Weinbaum and she was curious as to who the Jolliffs were. I told Bobbie I knew the Jolliffs as very nice people who attended services on special occasions and were friends of Louise and Walter Sommers.
I emailed Cathy for further details to pass along to Bobbie. When Bobbie received this information, it warmed her heart to know how Dr. Weinbaum had touched the Jolliffs’ lives and still remembered him after all these years.
You may be wondering, “what’s the big deal about Presidents Day?” Aside from local school closings on account of the regional holiday, the average American pays little attention to Presidents Day.
I would argue, however, that Presidents Day is in fact a very Jewish kind of holiday and one that is indeed worthy of reflection.
What is the connection between Judaism and this commemorative day in February honoring our country’s past leaders? The link lies in a rabbinic value concept known as Zechut Avot.