Rabbi Chessin’s Monthly Column
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 […]
Hanukkah a Time to Spread Light
Hanukkah a Time to Spread LightBy Rabbi Judy Chessin On Hanukkah 1932, Rachel Posner, wife of Rabbi Dr. Akiva Posner, took this iconic photo of the family Hanukkah menorah in the window of the family home across the street from a building displaying a Nazi flag. On the back of the photograph, Rachel Posner wrote […]
Lasting Interfaith Event a True Blessing
Lasting Interfaith Event a True BlessingBy Rabbi Judy Chessin This year marks our 30th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, a three-decade partnership among Christ United Methodist Church, David’s United Church of Christ, St. Charles of Borromeo Church, and Temple Beth Or. How did this practice begin? In our early years, new members Steve and Areve Alexander came […]
Columbus’ Story has Some Jewish Roots
Every American school child knows the famous couplet: “In fourteen hundred ninety-two; Columbus sailed the ocean blue”– commemorating the explorer’s arrival in the New World on October 12, 1492. While Columbus Day is a federal holiday (observed the second Monday in October), not everyone is celebrating. Native American groups have long argued that the Italian […]
Jews, Irish Share Corned Beef Tradition
March 1, 2018
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 […]