Religion
Coronavirus forces b’nai mitzvah ceremonies online
“It was a little different. It was weird,” 13-year-old Reuben Friedman said of his March 19 bar mitzvah in San Francisco. He did his Torah reading from a…
First Person
Virtual Judaism is being forced upon us, but I'm making the best of it
Last Friday night, my wife and I celebrated a Shabbat dinner with our daughters and son-in-law … with proper social distancing. We live in Palo Alto. Our…
Religion
Death during a pandemic: virtual shiva calls and funerals without mourners
Under ordinary circumstances, Sophi Jacobs would have traveled from her home in San Francisco to Manhattan for her father’s funeral. She would have stayed…
Religion
The Jewish antidote to losing your sense of time during the pandemic
Among the most enduring comforts of Jewish life are its endless patterns and repetitions — the seven-day rhythm of work and rest, the cycle of holidays,…
Parenting
Trading a frazzled Shabbat for one that makes me grateful
Every Friday night, when our kids were younger, I’d make Shabbat dinner special. We’d eat in the dining room, and use my fancy dishes. I’d up my game in…
Passover
Plenty of kosher for Passover food available, Orthodox Union says
The supply chain for kosher for Passover food has not been disrupted by the coronavirus crisis, the Orthodox Union kosher certification agency said.…
Torah
Two little biblical letters that ‘mean nothing but express everything’
The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek. Vayakhel-Pekudei Exodus 35:1–40:38 It was “Ask the Rabbi—Open Mic Shabbat” at…
Religion
Passover in a pandemic: Families on Zoom, solo seders and broken traditions
Rena Munster was looking forward to hosting a Passover seder for the first time. In past years, her parents or another relative hosted the meal. But this…
Religion
Shabbat, prayer and religious connection during a pandemic
Around sundown on March 13, Rabbi Daniel Stein of Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek gathered with his family and about two dozen congregants to…