Rabbi Chessin’s Monthly Column
May Celebrates Jewish Achievements
May Celebrates Jewish AchievementsBy Rabbi Judy Chessin Did you know that May is Jewish American Heritage month? President George W. Bush designated the month of May for an annual recognition and celebration of Jewish American achievements in and contributions to the United States of America. The resolution passed unanimously, in the House of Representatives in […]
Israel at 70: Independence Secure, Peace Elusive
Israel at 70: Independence Secure, Peace ElusiveBy Rabbi Judy Chessin On April 19, we observe the 70th anniversary of the birth of the modern state of Israel. Yom Ha’atzmaut might be compared to the United States’ proclamation of independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. The timing for the Jewish state was based on […]
Jews, Irish Share Corned Beef Tradition
Jews, Irish Share Corned Beef TraditionBy Rabbi Judy Chessin As we inaugurate Temple Beth Or’s First Corned Beef Festival, let’s ponder the age-old question: is corned beef Irish or Jewish? To be sure, corned beef and cabbage are considered the traditional fare of St. Paddy’s Day. But this was not always the case! Pork […]
A New Generation of World Menders
A New Generation of World MendersBy Rabbi Judy Chessin “Baruch Atah, Adonai, Eloheinu, Melech haolam, shenatan lanu hizdamnut l’takein et haolam.” “Praised are You, Adonai, our God, Ruler of the universe, Who has given us the opportunity to mend the world.” These words of blessing are sung regularly at camp and NFTY youth events and nine […]
Searching for a Real Jewish Princess
Searching for a Real Jewish PrincessBy Rabbi Judy Chessin The Jewish world kvelled for one brief shining moment when Prince Harry, the youngest son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana and fifth in line for the British throne, announced his engagement to the American actress Meghan Markle. It was reported that Markle, known for her work on […]
Music Brings Israeli Society Together
June 1, 2018
Music Brings Israeli Society TogetherBy Rabbi Judy Chessin Israeli society is complicated. There are crushing geo-political concerns on its borders and cultural differences among Israel’s own citizens. Within Israel’s Jewish population there are tensions between secular and observant Jews, and Ashkenazic, Sephardic and Mizrachi Jews, not to mention the differences among Israeli Arab Muslims, Christians, […]