Regard for animals goes back to the first stories in Judaism. Adam is given responsibility to care for the animals [Gen 1:26]; Noah is instructed to save all the animals [Gen 6:19-20]; Abraham’s servant Eliezer is impressed when Rebecca – who is to become Isaac’s wife – cares for the camels [Gen 24:42-48]. (more…)
At this time in our secular year, we are supposed to be thankful. Of course, we should be thankful all year round. Our Jewish tradition has almost endless ways to say thank you. (more…)
Some first families live in white houses. Others live in palaces. Our Jewish first family lived in Paradise, in the Garden of Eden.
Of course, the first family was unable to follow the rules and got itself evicted from Paradise. (more…)
This year Shomrei is participating in the Synagogue Vegan Challenge. As part of this program, we will have one completely vegan event each month.
It seemed fitting to schedule our 2nd event during Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. These holidays provide an opportunity for us to reflect on our connection to nature, food, and shelter. (more…)
You might expect this week’s blog to be about Rosh Hahanah and Yom Kippur or even about Hispanic and Latino Jews since September is Hispanic Heritage Month, but it’s about grandparents.
Why? As we approach the High Holidays many of us spend time with families and think about our relationships with our grandparents. Those of us who are older may even say kaddish for them during the Yom Kippur Yizkor service. Children hopefully look forward to spending time with their grandparents and forming memories. No matter what, none of us would be here without those grandparents. (more…)
