According to Jewish law, we are meant to begin studying the laws of an upcoming holiday 30 days before it begins. Conveniently [...]
Throughout our tradition, our sages imagine Jewish life in "the world to come." Which of our prayers and holidays, they wonder, will exist [...]
Before our Purimland Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 5, Stephen Wise Temple's Center for Youth Engagement families and families from Leo Baeck Temple [...]
International Women’s Day This piece, written for International Women’s Day, first appeared for the Union For Reform Judaism’s 10 Minutes of Torah [...]
Stephen Wise Temple Rabbi Sari Laufer was featured on a special Purim edition of the "Tov!" podcast this week. To coincide with [...]
Much is made of the feasting of Purim, but what of the fast? Today, the day before Purim begins, is known in [...]
Each year, on the Shabbat before Purim, we observe Shabbat Zachor, the Shabbat of Remembrance. While remembrance is core to our tradition, [...]
לַיְּהוּדִ֕ים הָֽיְתָ֥ה אוֹרָ֖ה וְשִׂמְחָ֑ה וְשָׂשֹׂ֖ן וִיקָֽר׃ "The Jews enjoyed light and gladness, happiness and honor." —Esther 8:16 As we prepare for the [...]
מִצְוָה גְּדוֹלָה לִהְיוֹת בְּשִׂמְחָה תָּמִיד – כִּי יֵשׁ עֲשָׂרָה מִינֵי נְגִינָה, שֶׁהֵם בְּחִינַת שִׂמְחָה "It is a great mitzvah to always be [...]
משנכנס אדר - ימי נסים היו לישראל פורים ופסח "Whoever enters Adar (should rejoice!)—These are miraculous days for the People of Israel, [...]
