Blog
Today is About Love and Remembering
It's been two years since my world was shattered, when a monster so full of hate decided to take the lives of innocent people at Shabbat prayer, including my kind, beautiful and caring Mother-in-law, Joyce Fienberg. Would you say that 2 for Seder started because of...
Your Planning Guide for the Pittsburgh Shooting Commemoration
This Week's Tip: Plan for the second commemoration of the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Shooting that took the lives of 11 Jews while they prayed at Shabbat morning services. (see our origin story) Plan what virtual events to attend. Bring a friend of a different faith....
Take Action Tip 12: Tell Diego’s Story
This Week’s Tip: For sports fans (or folks talking with sports fans) weaving Diego Schwartzman’s story into a discussion combats almost every negative stereotype about Jews and inspires all of us when we need a little boost!
With all These Guests, You’re Never Alone in the Sukkah
During Sukkot it is a mitzvah to provide hospitality to guests, especially the poor. This mitzvah was inspired by Abraham who sat at his open tent to welcome travelers and provide them with food and respite. The tradition of ushpizim (Aramaic for guests) is relatively...
Planning Ahead: You Don’t Need to be Perfect to be Perfect This Year
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: May her Memory be a blessing. She embodies the idea of what an individual can do and her tireless fight to see all of us as equal before the law. Can we do any less? The High Holidays, along with everything in our world, are...
A Practical Approach to the High Holiday Season During COVID
The month of the Chag, the High Holiday season, is a journey of renewal. I'm guilty of focusing on just Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, with the rest of the season as a bit of an afterthought. Taking a step back this year allows us to see this journey in a new light and...
Special High Holiday Newsletter Series – 2 for Seder: In the Sukkah
Introducing 2 for Seder: In the Sukkah 2 for Seder: In the Sukkah is a practical look at the Jewish Holiday Season during COVID. How can we find meaning at home? How can we continue to fight anti-Semitism while we are apart? 2 for Seder: In the Sukkah features: Four...
Contemplating Contemplation
Elul has begun! As Jews, this is a traditional time of self-reflection to prepare for the High Holidays where we ask for forgiveness from family, friends, and G-d. Ample time for self-reflection and quiet contemplation is a side of Judaism that COVID has...
Action Tip 9: Spirit Night!!
Despite the heat, it’s almost Fall! Local groups and clubs are exploring ways to safely resume their activities. School is starting up again soon, albeit virtually in many areas. “Spirit Nights” are a type of fundraiser that supports a group at a local restaurant. ...
Election Day 2018 - a Poem
I was working the polls on Election Day 2018
just one week after that awful day
still trembling and troubled
My polling place was the fire/police station
the very same one
where a week prior
its designated Officers ran
into the hail of gunfire
to save the lives of the worshippers inside
It was chilly that day
We had piles of snacks to share
I flipped through the cards in my Rolodex
readying myself for the onslaught of voters
when I can across her card and stopped cold
the 92 year old who never missed an election
(or so I was told)
until now
Rose Malinger
I looked at the card for a long time
but couldn’t bring myself to remove it from the others where it belonged
Where should it go?
Who would hold onto it with a fierce love
rather than marking off a check in a box
and discarding it into the trash?
I removed it carefully from the stack
and held it close to my heart
for the remainder of the day
not letting go
until the very last ballot had been cast
- Written by Sara Stock Mayo
May Rose's memory be a blessing.
Your Planning Guide for the Pittsburgh Shooting Commemoration
Never Forget.
2forseder.org/your-planning-guide-for-the-pittsburgh-shooting-commemoration/
10.27 Healing Partnership Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Sara Stock Mayo Sheldon Low Congregation Olam Tikvah The Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs - FJMC Women of Reform Judaism