In November 1995, I was a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University. Secular-raised, jeans-wearing, I was trying to sort out my relationship with G-d. Though I was not “shomer shabbat” at the time, I took long walks on campus on Saturday afternoons, seeking my own personal connection with the divine. I hadn’t resolved what kind of […]
If you’ve ever been in love or even excited about a new friendship, you may be able to use that experience to improve your relationship with the Master of the Universe. It’s the month of Elul which means that it’s time to consider our relationship with God. How can thinking about the Creator of the […]
As the bus rumbles down the mountain, twisting and turning towards Jerusalem, I listen to the tour guide as he unfolds the story of how my nation, my people reclaimed our land. Deep emotions bubble up from within, from a place I cannot name. Soulful, gentle music plays as we continue through the tunnel that […]
The sun beats down on my head, warming my scalp. My hair feels hot to the touch. I sit in between traffic, the perfect vantage point to see cars, trucks, buses, taxis roaring by in both directions. The subway rumbles beneath my feet and the exhaust and heat rise to my nostrils. A warm breeze comes my way. […]
Dear Jew in the City- I believe in a supreme being that would create the Universe, but it’s hard for me to believe that this all-powerful being would give us these laws and care about whether we keep them or not. Does God really care if I flick a light switch on Shabbos? Sincerely, B […]
I was a rebellious teen. You know the kind—the one the teachers worry about and whose parents get called down to discuss their issues. The kid who is on everyone’s watchlist for most-likely-to-go-down. Now if you are imagining some goth girl smoking pot, a skull tattooed on her forearm, you have got it wrong. I […]
