Today, many Jews who grapple with incorporating liturgical worship (also called davening) into their lives have turned instead to wordless, mindful meditation. With this practice, one can choose to reflect on God, on their place in the universe, or on something else entirely. These Jews, many in their early 20s or 30s, often grew up in Jewish communities where the cultural, social, and historical aspects of Judaism dominated over a spiritual or religious belief in God. Many of these young Jews have rekindled their spiritual connection to Jewish practice through meditation, which gives them more freedom and independence to form their own spiritual identity. We will explore this technique at Eldridge Street on July 23rd at our “Sabbath of the Mind” night of guided meditation and music, where meditation beginners and experts alike can experience a night of contemplative practice.
Jewish History
Women Take the Lead at Eldridge Street
We’re celebrating Museum Week! All around the world, Museums will focus on 7 themes over 7 days. Today’s theme is “women” so we’re looking back at this blog post, originally written in February 2017 by Taylor Baker, celebrating the women of the early congregation. On … Read more
What’s on Your Seder Plate Might Depend on Where You’re Eating
This post is written by Museum intern John Hanson. As spring comes, so does Passover! The oldest, continuously celebrated holiday of the Jewish calendar is fast approaching, and all of us here at Eldridge Street have been busy discussing our own Passover traditions. Surprisingly, we … Read more
The Rabbi’s Daughter Who Became a Bat Mitzvah Pioneer
This post was written by Nancy Beiles. When Judith Kaplan was 12 years old, it was an exciting time to be a young girl. Women had just gotten the right to vote. The first woman was serving in the United States Senate. And it was … Read more
Are We Doomed to Repeat the Triangle Shirtwaist Tragedy?
This post is written by Eva Brune. “In the panic of the fire, I recall that three girls wrapped themselves in the American flag and jumped out the window together… Among the dead, were a mother and two young sons who all worked at … Read more