Tag Archives: Judaism

First Night of Chanukah

Posted on December 16, 2014 by jyourist

After devouring sweet potato latkes and baked apples, IB takes a photo of first night candles in a menorah carefully crafted by JB from a branch of a tree. (Note the layers of wax from many previous Chanukahs spilled and dripped on … Continue reading →

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Unveilings

Posted on June 1, 2014 by jyourist

My stepfather died nearly a year ago and today was his unveiling. This is an old tradition that signifies the end of mourning. The headstone is literally “revealed” after its gauze has been dramatically ripped away. Because of the time … Continue reading →

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Fiddler

Posted on April 24, 2014 by jyourist

I was at the dress rehearsal of Fiddler on the Roof at school today, performed by a bunch of very talented middle schoolers and directed by our new theater teacher. The students’ voices in song, their choreography, and acting were … Continue reading →

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Cleaning my plate/ cleaning my soul

Posted on September 5, 2013 by jyourist

It’s the new year. A time to make account of all the deeds and misdeeds of the previous year, embrace failings, and move toward commitment to our better selves for the year to come. After services today we went out … Continue reading →

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In the Table: Passover Edition

Posted on April 9, 2013 by jyourist

I was about to change the “In the Table” display and realized I hadn’t documented it. For Passover this year, the glass topped table was filled with a 1941 Maxwell House Haggadah, a reproduction of the Sarajevo Haggadah (from about 1350), … Continue reading →

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Chag Sameach!

Posted on March 30, 2013 by jyourist

(JB’s photo)

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Jogging juggler and polar explorer

Posted on September 27, 2012 by jyourist

Yesterday during the break in the Yom Kippur service, about three o’clock, a few of us took a walk along the lake. It was a beautiful brisk day. I wore my tallit outside to help keep me warm. That was … Continue reading →

Posted in Judaism, transformation | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Chaotic and disorderly celebration and significance

Posted on April 8, 2012 by jyourist

This weekend were the first two nights of Passover. This is my favorite holiday of the year. The Passover seder is a celebration of freedom and liberation, a reminder how each of us needs to continue the fight for the … Continue reading →

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I have become the Cyclops

Posted on October 22, 2011 by jyourist

Today in minyan, a light beam from the windows struck me and my prayerbook. My mind drifted back to another light.  A long time ago. To our shtetl shul in Toledo — Sharei Zedeck, where the older women all sat upstairs, … Continue reading →

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Apples and Honey…with a kick

Posted on September 29, 2011 by jyourist

Today is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This holiday is often called the birthday of the world because the world was supposedly created on this date. There are many traditions connected with this holiday, but one of the most … Continue reading →

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