Tu B’Shevat food traditions

Tu means 15th; B’Shevat means of the month of Shevat. This was the date originally designated as the general birthday of all the trees that provided food in Israel no matter when in the year they were actually planted. It should come as no surprise to you that this...

A response to crisis

If our TaNaCh (Bible) represents the dawn of the human record, human conflict takes place by the first generation. We read about how Cain’s jealousy leads him to murder his brother Abel. There is little doubt that Cain feels totally justified in this treacherous act....

Beth Ami Book Group

Submitted by Linda Emblen Now we are reading DANCING ARABS by Sayed Kashua (fiction, 227 pgs, Hebrew, 2002; English translation, 2004.) This semi-autobiographical account of Arab Israeli life recounts the story of a Palestinian boy who wins a prestigious scholarship...

In Response to a Tragic Situation

How tragic, that last Shabbat, Shemini Atzeret, a Holy Day that is termed “the season of our joy,” we were awakened to learn the shocking news of a major terrorist attack. Hamas, the terrorist organization controlling Gaza, had breached the security fence, and...

Israel Invaded

As the holiday season ended with Simchat Torah and with the horrific events in Israel, I wanted to let you know the Sonoma County Rabbis are planning an event for the county within the week in support of Israel. More information will be announced in the next few days....