If explaining Hanukkah to your non-Jewish family (or friends, coworkers, boss, etc) feels harder than celebrating it, you’re in good company. Every year, as soon as the menorahs come out, the questions start rolling in: “Are you still doing Christmas with us?” “Why not celebrate both?” “What does Hanukkah even mean?” and the dreaded “So […]
The Questions Every Jewish Convert Dreads in December… Read Post »
Your first Hanukkah can feel weirdly high-stakes for something involving tiny candles and fried potatoes. When do you light, what do you say, where do you put the menorah, and how do you know you’re “doing it right” if you don’t have a community around you yet? If that’s you, breathe. You can celebrate Hanukkah
Hanukkah 101: What’s Required and What’s Optional Read Post »
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 »