Apr 17, 2024
April 2024 We have everyday brachot — some recited once a day, some several times a day (e.g., before eating, or after using the toilet). And we have brachot that we get to say just once a year. Preparing for Pesach/Passover is an opportunity for the latter: We search...
Feb 6, 2024
February 2024 Bracha/Blessing Judaism offers several blessings relating to separation: when “taking challa” — removing a small lump of dough from a reasonably considerable amount you’re using to bake bread; when a parent relinquishes responsibility (at least...
Dec 20, 2023
December 2023 On your doorposts… It’s not just college or high school kids; recently, an elderly woman told me she was uneasy about showing the star necklace she had tucked behind the placket of her blouse. However, she was still wearing it! There has been talk about...
Nov 13, 2023
November 2023 Why do we begin nearly everything (it seems) with borei pri hagefen, a blessing over wine? One explanation is based on a source from the book of Psalms (104:15): “wine gladdens the heart of man.” In short, why not wine? To a point, it makes you happy and...
Sep 18, 2023
September 2023 Wouldn’t you think that the blessing recited before blowing shofar on Rosh Hashana would be about making the sounds? After all, when you say a bracha over an action, such as for lighting Shabbat or festival candles, you are acknowledging the act; “…for...
Aug 15, 2023
August 2023 The American Goldfinch makes identification easy, even for non-birders (yours truly included). The small bird is a bright chartreuse yellow, with black yellow-edged feathers — beautiful. I first encountered the goldfinch when one or more made a habit of...
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