An unusual juxtaposition in this Torah portion highlights an oft-overlooked piece of observing the major festivals.

Isolation.

The details of this precept, using powerful symbols of allegiance to divine law and of membership in the Jewish religious community, have been subject to many interpretations.

All friendships can nourish us; Jewish friendships nurture our Jewishness.

Hoshanah Rabbah, the seventh day of Sukkot, marks the thematic end of the High Holiday period.

The very structure of the normal Jewish blessing formula (Barukh Atah…) reflects the tension of recognizing and responding to God's immanence and transcendance.

A handwritten recipe for sweet nutmeg donuts becomes a new family favorite.

An ordinance of Usha.

Blowin’ in the wind.

I am not doing it to be a lightning rod, but rather, to be a light-bearer, a teacher, a source of reassurance.