Repeals on the Ballot: Measures to End the Death Penalty in November
At the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (NCADP), I am working with the 90 Million Strong Campaign, which is currently focusing its efforts in Nebraska, to prepare for a
A Jew-By-Choice Experiences Anti-Semitism for the First Time
I have always believed that here in the United States, anti-Semitism couldn’t possibly be as entrenched as in other parts of the world. In 35 years of life, I had never directly encountered anti-Semitism – until last week.
North Dakotans Reject Measure Three
A Day in the Life of Machon Kaplan
Not Only Our Daughters: A Prayer for Women Throughout The World
The following is a prayer expressing gratitude for what those of us blessed with privilege and freedom can offer our daughters - and so too is it a prayer of protest and concern for those of us who cannot provide these things.
For the People of Italy: A Prayer after the Earthquake
Here are two prayers after an earthquake struck Italy today: one for the people and one for first responders.
IRAC Runs on Chocolate
What Will It Take for the World to Offer Women Full Equality?
Nearly 40 years ago, I stood on the bimah as a bat mitzvah, the first young woman in my family to celebrate my Jewish coming of age. Its significance was totally lost on me, however. Having been raised to believe that both boys and girls could pretty much do anything they wanted, what was the big deal, I wondered.
How Music Can Help Us Make Connections in Difficult Times
The Hamilton craze is sweeping the nation, and even the Jewish community isn’t exempt. Case in point: Recently, at the annual convention of the American Conference of Cantors and the Guild of Temple Musicians, several cantors led a Shacharit (morning) service that included several prayers set to tunes from the smash hit by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
And it wasn’t the only secular music to take center stage. Just two days earlier, a few colleagues and I had led a Maariv (evening) service that included “Be Here Now” by Ray LaMontagne and “Grateful” by John Bucchino.
What is it that makes secular music useful and appropriate in a service setting? Or is it?
Why I Spent a Week Learning with Muslims and Christians
It troubles me that I live in a socially segregated community, so when my professor announced that he would be co-teaching with a Protestant preacher and a Muslim imam a week-long summer intensive called Building Abrahamic Partnerships, I immediately signed up.