Why We Really Fast on Yom Kippur – Updated
The Torah says Yom Kippur fasting is about afflicting yourself. What if it’s not about atonement, but it’s about stripping everything away to find the voice that’s honestly, deeply you?
Tag Archives: Shabbat
Does Judaism Believe in Hell?
I always liked the idea that Judaism doesn’t have a hell. Eternal torture for believing the wrong thing always felt like a scare tactic. Except Judaism actually does have a hell. It’s called Gehinnom. But the Jewish understanding of it is very different from what most people imagine.
Why Shabbat Changes its Gender Pronouns — By Ben
I have been attending Shabbat services for almost a decade and it turns out I may have been praying it wrong this whole time. When you recite the Shabbat Amidah […]
Reading Shoftim at Jury Duty — By Ben
I find it interesting that during the week of the Torah portion of Shoftim, literally judges, I happen to be at the LA county courthouse for jury duty. Clearly Hashem […]
Giving Thanks Every Day – By Marc
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite “American” holiday. It has been since I was a child. The house is filled with incredible smells and family. No, not smelly family! The […]
The Generosity, Gratitude And Grace Of Shabbat – By Marc
I am Jewish. I love Judaism. The reason I say this, is to give some perspective to those who may be reading this who are NOT Jewish. When I write […]
Is There a Jewish Hell? — By Ben
Even though I didn’t grow up very religious, I always liked the idea that Judaism doesn’t have a hell. The concept of a never ending torture fest because you didn’t […]
The Eruv Controversy – By Marc
So I’d love for this to be an “interactive” post. Mainly because this is a subject I am not well versed on. While we are not “live streaming” or able […]
Challah… What Shabbat Really Means (Part 2) – By Marc
Breaking bread… It can literally mean the pulling and tearing apart of bread, as is evident at many a Shabbat meal or after Shabbat services or at a post Bar […]
Rest… What Shabbat Really Means (Part 1) – By Marc
For most of us, rest has a very specific meaning: The cessation of all work… relaxing… not doing much of anything. I remember when I first started going to Shabbat […]
