Instead of specific New Year's resolutions, I try to stick to general, non-specific goals for the year. One such goal that's been on my mind for a while is to make lifestyle changes so I produce less waste, and consume less as a whole, while making choices that are better for the health of the… Continue reading A few lifestyle changes for greener living
Tag: Judaism
Yom Kippur and #MeToo
I never liked Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, growing up. Jewish holidays can best be summarized as “They tried to kill us, we survived, let’s eat,” and thus tend to be joyful occasions, but not this one. It’s a somber day of reflecting on our sins and making amends with the people we’ve hurt.… Continue reading Yom Kippur and #MeToo
Key theological differences between Judaism and Christianity
Much of my work consists of pointing out the ways that Jews and Christians can learn from each other, based on their shared history in Scripture. Today, however, I want to point out some of the ways that the two faiths differ in their theologies. These differences go a lot deeper than simply “Jesus” and… Continue reading Key theological differences between Judaism and Christianity
The battle for hair acceptance
I’ve written before about how my curly hair is an outward marker of my Jewish identity (ethnically speaking). I want to revisit that subject today, because it took me over 25 years to find the right haircut. 25+ years of having stylists consult other stylists in front of me because they had no idea how… Continue reading The battle for hair acceptance
Jewish Resources for Christians
There are some books I make a point of rereading on a regular basis, and Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner is one of them -- a short but profound book on certain Jewish rituals and practices that Christians can learn from. Her memoir Girl Meets God was also the catalyst that inspired me to write… Continue reading Jewish Resources for Christians
Why the Anglican church?
One thing that scared me away from the chaplaincy program at seminary was the requirement of having the support of a specific denomination. I lived under the “It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship” banner at the time, so the thought of having to align myself with a “religious” label abhorred me. My academic adviser… Continue reading Why the Anglican church?
How my Jewish background opened my eyes to racism
I often wonder what my life would be like if I had been raised in a Christian home. Would I be the same person I am today? Would I still prioritize understanding different viewpoints – even those (or especially those) I disagree with? It’s easy for me to resent my Jewish background sometimes. It’s the… Continue reading How my Jewish background opened my eyes to racism
The problem with Christian seders
The observance of Passover seders in churches is a fairly recent trend, as more Christians seek to connect with the Jewish roots of their faith. While this may seem like a good idea, most Jews are in agreement that the seder meal is better left where it began: within Judaism. Of course, there is nothing… Continue reading The problem with Christian seders
“You can’t sit with us,” Jewish edition
For a magazine whose demographic is liberal Jewish women, I was rather surprised by the responses to the article “Please Stop Asking Me ‘Are You Even Jewish’?” that was recently shared on Lilith's Facebook page. The author, Alyssa Weinstein, was raised by interfaith parents: an Episcopalian mother, and a Reform Jewish father. Though Weinstein’s mother… Continue reading “You can’t sit with us,” Jewish edition
Jewish hair, Christian faith
My one-time experience at a Jewish sleepaway camp (I know, I know, don’t get me started on the absurdity of the phrase “Jewish camp”) was full of, shall we say, unique experiences: from a production of The Sound of Music featuring nuns with popsicle-stick Stars of David instead of crosses to lively debates about who… Continue reading Jewish hair, Christian faith