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Man Does Not Live by BBQ Alone – Parashat Emor
We can understand a very meaningful message about our Jewish calendar – it is a calendar that stands in opposition to star-worship and idolatry, a calendar in which human beings take a central place in the design and determination of it. […]
Podcast: Which Secular Jews "rebuild" the Seder
Nir Braudo and Shmuel Rosner discuss the ways in which secular Jews can “re-build” the Passover Seder in the Jewish … […]
Judging Justly – Parashat Kedoshim
No matter who faces the law, whether poor or rich, strong or weak, large or small – they should be judged justly. Hence, to this day, it is crucial to establish an objective, independent legal system that is not influenced by narrow considerations, by the interests of a single person or party, or by personal circumstances. […]
From Past to Future – They Say There's Still Hope
On Passover, we are called upon to create connections between our personal story and the communal so that they may be meaningful for us and our children. Most importantly, we must consider what echoes of slavery and freedom are present in our midst. […]
Judaism, Leadership and Israeli Elections
Judaism, Leadership and Israeli Elections – Noga Brenner Samia on i24 News With all the noise about the elections in … […]
Purity Laws and the Elections – Parashat Tazria
But hidden within the idea of purity and impurity we find an important message about the nature of people and the meaning of their actions. Unlike the list of appetizing animals from the previous Parsha, humans are not wholly impure or wholly pure – they are both. […]
The Geek’s Guide To Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is known for its beaches and nightlife – so what’s a geek to do?! Here are a few ways to explore the city’s historical, artistic, and intellectual landmarks. Bust out your fanny packs, nerds, the White City is ready to delight! […]
Why Do a Gap Year in Israel?
High school is coming to an end, and you’re ready to take the first real grown-up steps in life. But before you take the big leap into college or university and student life, you can upgrade your future with a gap year in Israel. […]
We Declare | Israeli Talmud: Tractate Independence
Free Download Israeli Talmud: Tractate Independence – Sample Booklet ABOUT THE PROJECT WE DECLARE is an initiative that aims that to … […]
Let there be no fire between us – Parashat Shemini
The sacred and the profane that are at the heart of the Parasha invite us to think carefully about what kind of responsibility is demanded of our public servants and leaders, and if this dichotomous, uncompromising approach is one that will allow us to continue to develop and grow as a democratic society. […]
Order of the Day – Secular Judaism on Both Sides of the Ocean
In Israel, a vibrant, secular Jewish culture was created primarily around the ideals of the Zionist movement. In the United States, the Jewish community built a magnificent Jewish life with communal institutions at its center, religious schools, synagogues around the three main religious streams – Reform, Conservative and Orthodox. […]
BINA's Passover Seder Bookmarks
BINA's Passover Seder Bookmarks Additions and Suggestions for the Passover Haggadah Enrich your Passover Seder with meaningful content, thought-provoking questions … […]
First U.S. 'Secular Yeshiva' opens in Palo Alto
“It is important for all Jews to engage meaningfully with their Jewish identity and heritage, whether in synagogues, at the JCC, in their homes or out in the community,” Bodner said. “This program creates a new opportunity for those who might call themselves secular, unaffiliated or ‘just Jewish’ to experience deep study of our sacred texts and traditions.” […]
Changing the Conversation: A Response to Daniel Gordis
American and Israeli Jewry are very different from one another, with profound differences in their ideological foundations. American Judaism is universalist and views Judaism as a religion, versus Israeli Judaism, which is particularistic and views Judaism as a nationality. […]
Amos Oz was the ultimate Secularist
It is not every day that such a daring, self-confident secular figure emerges in our midst, presenting a bold and positive secular-Jewish stance that serves as a beacon for Jews all over the world. Amos Oz was not only a literary giant, he was also an exemplary secular Jew. […]
Rabin Day Educational Toolkit
Debate and Incitement An Activity for Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Day Aims: Understand the term argument (mahloket) and its Jewish … […]
Destruction and Repair in Noach and the World Today
BINA's Education and Leadership Coordinator, Sasha Gold, reflects on Noach and the role of destruction and repair in the world today. […]
Birthright Israel Plus – BINA's Social Justice Birthright Extension in Tel Aviv
A look into Birthright Plus – and the chance to extend your Birthright Trip by volunteering and working towards Social Justice in Tel Aviv. […]
In Search of the Next Big Thing
When selecting the right gap year for me, I found myself focusing on the “next big things” – the hours I would spend in the classroom poring over Jewish texts with which I’d never quite been able to connect, the volunteering experience in schools that need an extra hand and the effort I’d put into learning Hebrew. […]
Finding My Spark – From Roanoke to Israel
Seeing something is believing in it, but experiencing something is understanding it. I entered Al Huda School in Rahat with little to no understanding of the Bedouin culture or experience within Israeli society, but left with a love and appreciation for the culture and the people. […]