As we approach Tisha B’Av, Israel is in a period of turmoil and BINA is part of the chorus of voices talking – shouting when we need to – about social responsibility, pluralism and the future we yearn to build. What do the traditions of Tisha B’Av offer us in this moment? Read more in this article by Marcie Yoselevsky, the newest member of BINA’s External Relations team. […]
Parashat Shmini is named after the day on which the dedication of the Tabernacle reached its climax. After a week of precise and detailed preparations, Aaron and his sons bring the divine presence into the Tabernacle. At that height of the moment, a great tragedy occurs. The young priests Nadab and Abihu, the two chosen sons of Aaron the priest, sin in forbidden work and disobey the laws of the sacred service. They are punished for their actions and die. […]
Some Torah Portions require almost no interpretation. People should just read them again and again, and hopefully something will sink […]
Congratulations to BINA educator Leon Wiener Dow on winning a National Jewish Book Award for his new book “The […]
On the Shabbat before Purim, it is customary to add a reading to the weekly Parsha that is called, “Parshat Zachor.” The reason behind this tradition is hidden in a verse from the added parsha, “Remember what Amalek did to you.” This verse, now linked to Purim, is an echo that reminds us of how the Amalek lineage eventually begets the evil Haman. […]
How is it already the end of the summer? How are we again preparing for Rosh Hashanah? I am going into Rosh Hashanah this year thinking about traditions and repetition. Marcie Yoselevsky In an article for Rosh Hashanah about Finding the meaning of rituals […]
My parents’ house in Omer. Every Shabbat evening my grandmother would light Shabbat candles on the tea cart that stood between the kitchen and the dining room. Perfumed. Her white hair combed back. She brought her palms together, covered her face. Closed her eyes and blessed. The house became silent. Listened. […]
Most of my life I’ve been an educator. Since becoming a counselor in my youth movement 18 years ago and […]
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. […]
Tu B’Av has become Jewish Valentine’s Day: always on a full moon, it is the perfect date for a mid-summer wedding, and when there is no pandemic, it is ideal for full moon festivals, out in the desert or on the beach. […]
