The lulav and the etrog. One week a year, we shake this magic rainstick and its citrus companion in the air. During the harvest festival of Sukkot, we orient ourselves upon the Earth and in nature by waving them in the cardinal directions, then up and down. It is a dance. In Jewish liturgy, dominated…
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Jew in the Pew
Jew in the Pew
Connection and renewal at fire-damaged Chabad’s celebration of ‘unity’
After four years in the Bay Area, I finally know what lies at the end of the Dublin/Pleasanton line. As with most of the Earth’s extremities today,…
Jew in the Pew
At Karaite Convention, everything is the same — but different
“It’s like Judaism from an alternate universe,” said my friend Taeer. “So much is the same — but different.” I’ve witnessed a lot of different Judaisms,…
Jew in the Pew
Can psychedelics heal the Jewish people? This rabbi is exploring that question.
When the rabbi begins with “I do not condone the use of psychoactive substances regulated by the FDA,” you know you’re in for something special. Thus…
Jew in the Pew
Time to rethink everything you’ve been told about Jews and astrology
For most Jews, the entirety of Jewish belief about astrology is based on a single line in the Talmud: ein mazal l’Yisrael — there is no astrological sign…
Jew in the Pew
He’s on a quest to create a new Jewish holiday: a Day of Justice
Andrew Mandel believes that the Jewish people need another holiday. He calls it Yom HaTzedek — Day of Justice. Social justice is a big part of Judaism but…
Jew in the Pew
Magic, sex and blessings at an unconventional seder in Berkeley
The JeWitch Collective is exactly what it sounds like: a group of people who are connected to Jewish spirituality, magic-based practices or both. They…
Jew in the Pew
A journey into the Holy of Holies — in a Latter-day Saints temple
Last Monday morning, I found myself in an unexpected place, sitting silently with a group of Bay Area journalists in the Celestial Room of the Oakland…
Jew in the Pew
Is it an exercise class or a prayer service?
Jewish prayer is a largely sedentary activity. We stand up, we sit down, we gently bow now and then. Things are a little different at Rabbi Jaymee…