If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
I committed the sin of the Christmas tree this weekend, just as I have every December since marrying my lovely shiksa decades ago. For the first few years, it was all fun and games. Then, boom, one day you get audited.
We are part of a growing community from Iran that have embraced unmistakably secular lives. Yet, we are labeled as Muslim, though we know little about the religion and celebrate no part of it.
Publicizing difference is fundamental to Hanukkah, the most widely observed Jewish holiday in the United States. But what exactly are we publicizing?
A menorah made of Qassam rockets fired at Sderot is about to be lit as the rain stops. The rocket menorah has come to symbolize the city's own Hanukkah miracle -- one where the resilience and faith of a community can overcome difficult times.
Rabbis, Ministers, and Priests are burning out because of an absence of communal thanks and personal gratitude.
During Chanukah, we recall the bravery of Jews centuries ago and the miracles that wrought their victory for freedom. Yet, you don't need to look to centuries past in order to celebrate miracles today.
The priest walked past the prostitutes every day. He had no choice. But he confessed he never spoke with the women, studiously avoided eye contact and did his best to never acknowledge their existence.
From Israel to California, the People of the Book are breaking out into dozens of feel-good Hanukkah videos and posting them to YouTube.
The '80s were a challenging time for American Jewry. It was easy to understand why so many took comfort fading into the multi-colored fabric of secularized Christianity. But then the 1990s brought forth a modern-day Judah Maccabee: Adam Sandler.
It it critical for religious groups to partner with law enforcement in order to better monitor their communities, and work as trained eyes and ears for the police. Rather than leave it to vigilantism, government agencies should work to nurture responsible organizations.
The truth about the Maccabees is a slippery one. National liberators or religious fanatics? Freedom fighters or terrorists? The truth depends on who's telling their story, and for what purpose.
We live in a time when most Jewish families in America include some non-Jews as well. It would be wonderful if the "December Dilemma" stopped being such a dilemma.
With our holiday card photo ready to go, we were ready to lick, stamp, and mail. The only thing left to do was to review "The List."
I say we put aside our differences and compromise over a cup of cheer. Let's kibitz by the fire; let's bake rugelach for Santa; and let's light unscented candles on a 12-branched candelabrum.
Men and women who are grateful to God for daily miracles as well as extraordinary acts of salvation may subscribe to either of the stories of Hanukkah.
Looking to spice up your holiday cocktails? Imbibe's November/December issue finds the warming spices of winter in everything from baking spice-infused syrups to spirits distilled with a variety of savory spices -- here are a few favorites that are sure to liven up your seasonal festivities.
