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.
Modern Menorahs Go Millennial
Menorahs are customizable. There aren’t many stipulations for their design – you just need nine candles for a Hanukkah menorah, with the shamash, or “helper” candle, set apart from the others. So there’s a lot of room for creativity! Since antiquity, menorah makers have been … Read more