Tag: Jewish
In some observant Jewish families, a little boy’s first haircut is more than just a haircut. It marks the beginning of not only his formal education but also his obligation to keep the commandments and perform mitzvoth — good deeds. More
When Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah fall on the same day, the growing number of interfaith families who observe both holidays face an unusual challenge. We visited the Miller family in Takoma Park, Maryland, to find out how they’re handling this “December dilemma.” More
In Germany, several of the concrete slabs at Berlin’s memorial to the Holocaust were defaced by vandals. In spite of anti-semitic incidents and other difficulties, the number of Jews moving to Germany has been going up dramatically. Also growing are the accompanying efforts to help them recover a sense of Jewish identity. More
A growing movement within American Judaism that recalls the tendency in most faiths for worshippers over the years to move back and forth between the head and the heart — theology and doctrine on one side, spiritual fervor on the other. More
Read more of producer Susan Goldstein’s interview about the Jewish Renewal movement with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi: Q: What is Jewish Renewal? A: Let me begin with the issue of renewal itself. There are some people who after the Holocaust felt … More
For over 50 years, a family of New York City philanthropists has commissioned prominent artists to interpret Passover themes for the extended family’s annual seder, and now some of the remarkable results are available for all to see at the New York Public Library. More
Before World War II, 80 percent of the residents Dzialoszyce were Jewish. Then came the Nazi Holocaust, and the few Jews who returned after the war were killed by Poles. Menachem Daum is a filmmaker, the son of Holocaust survivors, … More
Across the political and theological spectrums, religious conservatives, moderates, and liberals all have their own hopes for President Bush’s second term. Some conservatives say it’s payback time for their support in the election. Others say, “Don’t forget the poor.” More
Read excerpts from LUMINOUS ART: HANUKKAH MENORAHS OF THE JEWISH MUSEUM by Susan L. Braunstein and an excerpt about Hanukkah lights from THE BOOK OF CUSTOMS: A COMPLETE HANDBOOK FOR THE JEWISH YEAR by Scott-Martin Kosofsky. More
We talk about the Jewish High Holidays with a hazzan, also known as a cantor, who leads a congregation in sung prayer. More