Some seasons on the Jewish calendar hit in the kishkes. The Three Weeks and Tisha B’Av aren’t flashy. They’re not covered in glitter or joy. They’re heavy. Disorienting. Sometimes avoided. And yet, they hold some of the deepest truths in Jewish life—about grief, about brokenness, and about what it means to keep showing up anyway. […]
Tisha B’Av & the Three Weeks: A Guide for Beginners Read Post »
If you’re feeling the pressure to stay up all night for Tikkun Leil Shavuot – caffeine in one hand, guilt in the other – you’re not alone. For years, I thought I had to do the whole thing: the cheesecake, the all-nighter, the Torah study until sunrise. But the truth is, Shavuot isn’t a test
What If You Can’t Stay Up All Night for Shavuot? Read Post »
If you’ve ever heard someone mention Shavuot or Shavuos and immediately thought “cheesecake holiday,” you’re not wrong, but you’re definitely missing the bigger picture. And honestly? Most Jews – even lifelong ones – aren’t exactly sure how to explain what this holiday is about because it’s one of the lesser-celebrated holidays, even though it’s a
New to Shavuot? Here’s What You Actually Need to Know Read Post »
Before you block out the trauma – sorry, the “spiritual growth opportunity” – that was this year’s Passover, let’s hit pause for just a minute. (As you know, I’m a Pesach realist who knows it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns of spiritual highs while bleaching the bathroom.) Because somewhere between the forgotten Pyrex, the gluten-free
What to Do *Right Now* to Make Next Passover Less Overwhelming Read Post »
Friday night might be the heart of Shabbat – but it doesn’t have to be the whole story. Earlier, we talked about starting your Shabbat journey by making Friday nights special. Now let’s talk about bringing the peace of Shabbat into Saturday. If you’ve ever felt the glow of candlelight on Friday fade too quickly
Beyond Friday Night: Carrying the Spirit of Shabbat into Saturday Read Post »
Have you ever Googled “how to do Shabbat” and immediately felt overwhelmed by all the traditions and rituals you “should” be doing? Candles, prayers, no phones, 12 different side dishes… it’s no wonder it can feel like a recipe for panic instead of peace. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. But here’s the good
How to Start Celebrating Shabbat: Simple Steps for Beginners Read Post »
It Wasn’t Pinterest Perfect – and That’s Okay. If you’ve ever typed “how to do Shabbat” into Google and immediately spiraled into overwhelm, hi. Welcome. You’re in the right place. Maybe you imagined a perfectly set table, glowing candles, homemade challah, zero screens, and a family singing zemirot in harmony… and then looked around your
How to Observe Shabbat as a Beginner Read Post »
Stories That Bear Witness Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day – is not just about remembering history. It’s about confronting it. Feeling it. Passing it on. There are many ways to honor this day: lighting a candle, saying a name, learning something new. One powerful option is through film. Stories can shake us awake, open
11 Powerful Films for Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day Read Post »
New to Pesach? Converting? Neurodivergent, disabled, or just completely overwhelmed? You don’t have to do it all. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to start. The Pesach Without Panic guide is here to help. It’s a 54-page workbook designed for people who need real support – not guilt, not fluff, and definitely
Here’s Your Passover Permission Slip Read Post »
Overwhelmed by Pesach prep? You’re not alone – but let’s get one thing straight: dirt isn’t chametz. In this video, I break down what actually needs to be cleaned (and what absolutely doesn’t), why you’re allowed to leave the couch where it is, and how bittul chametz is your halachic safety net. Ready to prep
Dirt Isn’t Chametz. Read Post »