Some Jewish rituals look… well, a little creepy at first. Covered mirrors. Candlelit searches. Burying books. Guarding the dead. If you only caught a glimpse of them out of context, you might think Judaism leans dark or even morbid—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Each of these practices is a lesson in compassion, […]
Jewish Rituals That Sound Creepy (Until You Understand Them) Read Post »
When I was converting to Judaism, I wasn’t too worried about giving up Christmas. But Halloween? Oh hell no. But for years, I had a zero-tolerance policy. I was committed to my Jewish life, and that meant leaving Halloween behind… or so I thought. Then I had kids. And suddenly, things weren’t so simple anymore.
Can Jews Celebrate Halloween? The Nuance No One Talks About Read Post »
I recorded a long video about Simchat Torah, and while editing, I only just discovered that a significant part of it has a fatal error in the video file. I’m not going to have time to refilm and edit, but I wanted to give you the information anyway. I know, the video was better because
Simchat Torah Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Community) Read Post »
Sukkot is the holiday of beautiful impermanence – joy, hospitality, and gratitude lived inside a wobbly little shelter. If that sounds daunting without a backyard, a synagogue, or fancy supplies… breathe. You can honor Sukkot at home this year with what you already have. A balcony, a window, a chair, a pot of soup –
Sukkot Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Community) Read Post »
Do you have to fast on Yom Kippur? Short answer: if you’re a healthy adult — yes. If fasting would harm you — no, and it can actually be a mitzvah to eat. This guide is your calm, judgment-free walkthrough of what counts, what doesn’t, and how to show up meaningfully at home — even
Yom Kippur Fasting You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Community) Read Post »
Want to participate in the Ten Days of Awe, but you don’t have a synagogue, and you have low spoons and a brain that does not vibe with fire-and-brimstone? Same. This post is your calm guide to the peak season of Jewish reflection – the stretch between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur where we focus
10 Days of Awe Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Jewish Community) Read Post »
No synagogue nearby this year? You can still create a deeply sacred Yom Kippur — safely, gently, and with intention — right where you are. This post launches Part 2 of my High Holidays at Home series, a step-by-step video to help you craft the day from home: set your kavanah, shape a simple service
Yom Kippur Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Community) Read Post »
No synagogue nearby? Celebrating Rosh Hashanah solo? You’re still invited to a sweet, meaningful New Year. This post – and the video – is your calm guide to Rosh Hashanah at home: set one honest intention, light holiday candles, say Kiddush, and dip apples in honey. We’ll touch Cheshbon HaNefesh (gentle soul-accounting), simple symbolic foods,
Rosh Hashanah Rituals You Can Do at Home (Even Without a Community) Read Post »
If the words “High Holidays” make your stomach drop instead of your heart lift, you’re in good company. These days are meant to be holy – but between synagogue tickets, menus, schedules, and a chorus of “am I doing this right?”, they can spiral into stress fast. That’s exactly why I made this video: the
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First High Holidays Read Post »
Every year as the High Holidays approach, we talk about reflection, forgiveness, and teshuva (repentance). But here’s the thing: most of us are apologizing wrong. We think a quick “sorry” is enough—but Judaism says, not even close. In this season leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Jewish tradition gives us a clear path
Why Hashem Can’t Forgive You (Until You Do This) – How to Apologize Like a Jew Read Post »