From one step on a ladder to heaven, I dreamed I was seen and seeing her, far beyond my locked down horizon. Yet underway back I tarried on a thoughtful mountain to wrestle a muscled angel, all night long, or was it my angry twin, until dawn, belatedly to realize how one-sided her end meanwhile […]
Rebecca’s Unwritten Passing Read More »
Let me start by acknowledging my privilege. I am lucky to live in a temperate climate, where outdoor gatherings have not been out of the question for most of the COVID-19 era. The shul I belong to has a large campus, so finding space for outdoor meetings has not been difficult. And I am extremely
We know that we can pray on our own nearly anywhere, anytime, but Judaism does emphasize communal prayer. And many of us appreciate the group atmosphere: We listen to one another sing, we feel camaraderie, we learn from each other. We can cheer each other on as well as offer solace as a group. COVID-19
The Joys (and Some Drawbacks) of Outdoor Davening Read More »
It’s trite to say that Purim confusion morphed into Pesaḥ disappointment; my world fell apart and then I became resilient. It would be truer to add: and then anxious, and then resilient, and then anxious once more. Of course, my family and friends provided care, support, empathy, and love. We endured challenges, including long-distance care
COVID, Creativity, Compassion, and Community Read More »
Adapted from an article originally published in the Times of Israel blog, December 6, 2023. https://blogs. timesofisrael.com/lets-not-demonize-college-students/. In the weeks after October 7th, the text messages came in droves, from friends and family alike: “Oh my goodness! Are you okay? There is so much antisemitism on college campuses!” I responded that I was fine, and
Let’s Not Demonize College Students Read More »
On the Shabbat of October 7th, I was teaching a Lunch ‘n Learn session about Simhat Torah in Wilder Hall, the student union of Oberlin College, when one of my students said, “Rabba Amalia, I’m not sure if it is appropriate to share this information coming across my phone. There is terrible news from Israel.”
Antisemitism on Campus: A Hillel Director’s Reflections Read More »
The words that follow carry pain—and also seeds of hope. It is about depression and other mental illnesses. It is about the isolation and anguish felt not only by the person with the illness, but by their families as well. And…it is about taking steps to lift these stories out of darkness and shame. It
Opening the Dark Closet of Depression: From Silence to Support Read More »
Benjamin’s Story: “When my teachers asked in Hebrew school what I planned to be when I grew up, I never imagined I’d be struggling with a heroin addiction, stealing from my parents’ peace of mind and pocketbooks, or trading a bunk bed at Camp Young Judea for a bunk bed in a jail cell. I
Spirituality and Community: A Jewish Response to Addiction Read More »
