The Jewish value of community
Dear Families, There is a very important Jewish value: kehillah — community! This important concept starts with the name of the Jewish people: “am Yisrael — the people of Israel.”…
Kedusha (holiness)
Dear Rabbi, What is the Jewish meaning of “holiness”? D.M. Dear D., Let’s look at your question through the lens of a tradition in the teaching of children. There is…
Depression, part 2
Last time I discussed basic information about major depressive disorder, which is also known as a clinical depression. I discussed how it is different than grieving, has a genetic predisposition,…
The post-Purim hangover*
By Rabbi Shira Wallach When we imagine a time after the coming of the Mashiach — or for those who hold a different theology, a time when the world is…
Time to get ready for Passover
By Laura Seymour Dear Families, Purim has just ended and it is time to get ready for Passover. Hearing those words gets some people excited and some people frantic! There…
Kabbalah, gematria, holiness (and Maimonides)
By Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried Dear Rabbi Fried, I recently heard a class which left me very confused. The instructor, who claimed to be an Orthodox rabbi, spoke about Maimonides’…
This week, part 1: depression
By Alan Koenigsberg, M.D. I want to express a big thank-you to all those friends and family I have run into this past week, who have taken me aside and…
Beyond astrology: Why extra joy in Adar?
By Rabbi Dan Lewin The Hebrew word mazel refers to celestial spheres, often revered throughout the ancient world. But what is the Jewish view of auspicious times and astrological signs? In a…
Who is the real Purim hero?
Dear Families, Each year we have a contest at the J: Who is the real Purim hero? Each of us look for heroes, and the story of Esther is filled…
Who are the Kabbalists?
Dear Rabbi Fried, I have noticed that you often offer explanations to the Torah from the “Kabbalists” or “Kabbalistic Masters.” Who are these people and how do they differ from…