higher purpose Yom Kippur is called the holiest day of the year. But what does holy really mean? In Hebrew, the word is קֹדֶשׁ (kodesh), from the root קדש which means “set apart.” Something holy is separated from the ordinary so it can be dedicated to a higher purpose. Shabbat is holy because it is … Continue reading Yom Kippur: Science & Spirit
"For this mitzvah which I gift you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away. It is not in heaven… But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it.” (Devarim 30:11–14) The “word” is Torah, truth, and G-d’s light … Continue reading Many Rooms, One Jewish Woman
Here in Eretz Yisrael, as the heavy heat of summer finally eases, you can feel the season shifting. The nights cool, the air softens, and the earth prepares for rain. Grapes and figs have been harvested, the balance of the equinox arrives, and a new moon rises in the autumn sky. This is not the … Continue reading Rosh Hashanah Is Not the Real New Year
For women in recovery, the language of guilt and judgment is familiar — and often toxic. But real healing doesn’t come from shame. It comes from connecting with a Higher Power and living from our higher self. That’s the essence of recovery, and it can also be the essence of this season if we choose … Continue reading Reframing Rosh Hashanah: From Judgment to Renewal
By Mindy Rubenstein, M.A. Three years ago, my family and I made Aliyah from Florida. While the journey is full of blessings, there were and continue to be challenges and moments that test our strength. This week, my son began his army service, a milestone that reminded me as a Jewish mom just how deeply … Continue reading Women of Aliyah: A Journey of Support and Connection
In Hebrew, the words for man and woman are full of meaning: אִישׁ (Ish – Man) אִשָּׁה (Ishah – Woman) Both share the letters א (Aleph) and ש (Shin). These two letters form the word אֵשׁ (Esh – Fire). But each has one extra letter: Man has י (Yud) Woman has ה (Hey) Together, י … Continue reading The Fire Between Man and Woman — How to Keep It Holy
I sit here in "Mechina Ivrit." It's like Ulpan, but not Ulpan. The classroom has more than 20 desks lining the walls in a half circle, but there are only four of us in the class now. I started last month, slipping into the class as it seemed to already have its own rhythm. I … Continue reading What is “Mechina Ivrit”?
When I first found my way to Yiddishkeit at age 30 through Chabad, my soul lit up. Truly—it felt like a fire inside me. I wanted to do everything right. Every mitzvah. Every minhag. Every detail. I devoured learning. I soaked in every class, every Shabbos meal, every moment that felt holy. I wanted all … Continue reading Finding My Way Back: Rekindling My Jewish Journey
By Mindy Rubenstein Shavuot begins this evening, as we’re reminded of the most powerful moment in our history — when the Jewish people stood together at Mount Sinai and received the Torah, our Divine blueprint for life. The word Shavuot means "weeks," referring to the seven weeks of spiritual preparation between Pesach and this moment. … Continue reading Shavuot: Turn Toward the Light
In today’s intense and fast-moving world, especially as a Jewish mother raising sensitive, gifted, or neurodiverse children, we’re often searching for calm—for ourselves and for them. Sometimes, that calm is as close as the nearest tree. Touch a tree. It’s not just poetic. It’s grounding. It’s healing. And it’s deeply connected to how G-d created … Continue reading Did you touch a tree today?
Mindy Morasha 