Being raised as an Orthodox Jew, the Siddur (Jewish prayer book) played a prominent role in my education. As a young adult, I paid even closer attention to the words of the prayers and their historical context and significance. In later years I became less by the book, literally, and didn't recite them regularly. Instead, … Continue reading Self-Love in the Siddur (Jewish Prayer Book)
Tag: judaism
Self-Love and Religious Observance: Are They at Odds?
If we have the divine within us, why did I grow up following religious rules at the expense of my own self-love? I'm not saying that I should worship myself. I am not saying that I AM G-d. But I have a piece of G-d within me. The kind of religion I grew up with … Continue reading Self-Love and Religious Observance: Are They at Odds?
Patriarchy is Dead (A Rap)
Patriarchy is dead It’s lying on its head I’m not covering my skin I don’t believe—so what’s the win What rules am I following The one’s that deny That ones that have done nothing But try me Oh no, is that dirt on your shoulder? Let me dust it off And you be staring at … Continue reading Patriarchy is Dead (A Rap)
Reform Judaism
In Jewish history class in my Orthodox high school, we learned that Reform Judaism came about to keep Jews in the fold by convincing them to not convert to Christianity. Reform synagogues were playing organs during the services. Or my dad's childhood story about how awkward he felt when, at his cousin's bar-mitzvah, the rabbi … Continue reading Reform Judaism
Reality is Broken
Title of a cool book by Jane McGonigal. Also title of this blog post, which is pretty darn cool too. If my great-grandfather didn't ask out my then-engaged-to-someone-else great-grandmother, I would not be alive. I've oft wondered about people who get divorced. Like maybe their relationship was never meant to be; but if that were … Continue reading Reality is Broken
Jewish life = Tetris
Fitting in Jewish holidays to a full-time job is hard. We have to save PTO for it, which means fewer days on the beach—unless you're smart and go away to a beach for the holiday! (Preferably one with a nearby synagogue.) Jewish life is fitting together multiple pieces of a puzzle. Sometimes it doesn’t fit. … Continue reading Jewish life = Tetris
Today is Tu B’Av aka Jewish Valentine’s Day
Today is Tu B'Av in the Jewish calendar. It's kind of like a Jewish Valentine's Day. But different. One, cuz it's not very well-known. Two, cuz it's entirely differently. See Wikipedia page here. How apropos hat we are currently in a theme on my blog of relationships! (Not planned, I promise!) Ok, well today, I … Continue reading Today is Tu B’Av aka Jewish Valentine’s Day
Tisha B’Av: What’s It Really About?
I love what a friend of mine did to make Tisha B’av meaningful and full of good deeds. I really think that’s what it’s about. Yes, I did complete the fast, but that is the physical aspect; I also sought to surround myself with goodness and to be good on Tisha B’av. To live with … Continue reading Tisha B’Av: What’s It Really About?
What is Tisha B’Av?
Today is Tisha B'av. But, what is Tisha B'av? Literally, it means, the ninth (tisha) of Av (a month in the Jewish calendar). On Tisha B'av, we commemorate the destruction of the two Jewish Temples. And we pray for the rebuilding of the Third Temple. We pray for a world united in peace and prosperity. … Continue reading What is Tisha B’Av?
The Pre-Exile Jew – Part 2
I did a 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2010. I wanted to be a certified yoga instructor before I graduated from my grad program to become a registered dietitian. I had this urge inside of me, that I did not want to be just a registered dietitian, but also a yoga instructor—to show the world … Continue reading The Pre-Exile Jew – Part 2
Mindful Nuggets 