Young Israel of Hancock Park

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

What’s a Good First Book about Judaism?

“Rabbi, what’s the FIRST book I should read about Judaism?”

6 Ways to Find Meaning If You’re Stuck in the High Holidays Kids’ Service

I go to synagogue on the High Holidays, but I don’t spend much time in the main service. I haven’t heard a rabbi’s sermon in years. Instead, like many parents of young children, my main High Holida…

Whats the point of observing Judaism?

We must demonstrate that Jewish practice is a means for becoming a better person, living a more meaningful life, and flourishing as a human being; its not just as a way of becoming a ‘better Jew.

Is ‘Free’ Judaism A Good Idea?

The Torah gives us a paradigm. Each Israelite in the desert contributed a half-shekel to keep a census and maintain the sanctuary.

Seaweed: What's Judaism Got to Do with It?

Jewish tradition teaches us to care for our planet, preserve our natural resources, and generate new resources for coming generations.

What Judaism Says About Bullying

The religion teaches to be strong—while looking out for those being attacked

Finally Finding My Way to Judaism, the Faith That Beckoned

I was born into a Catholic family and given a Catholic education, but for as long as I can remember, Judaism has always fascinated me.

5 Surprising Facts about Judaism, Health and Fitness

5 Surprising Facts about Judaism

Including you don’t need to be Jewish to get to Heaven.

Judaism and Death: Five Surprising Ideas

Could podcasting help us rediscover Judaism?

Taking advantage of a digital asynchronous modality, podcasts facilitate an accessible way for Jews to forge stronger personal and communal connections.

What Came First: the Chicken or the Synagogue?

It has often been said that observing Jewish rituals and customs is impossible without having a community to support you. I believe that to be true...

How Is Your Judaism Different From Your Parents'?

Moment asked Millenial Jews, 'How is your Judaism different from your parents?'. The young generation of the Jewish community looks diverse, and proud to be Jewish.

How Does Islam Relate to Christianity and Judaism?

Are they rivals, complementary developments or different expressions of a similar religious experience?

Judaism Does Not Counteract Universalism: Quite the Opposite

The uniqueness of the Holocaust does not preclude a broader universalistic approach.

More Than Just Male and Female: The Six Genders in Classical Judaism

It's very easy to assume that Judaism is an exclusively gender-binary religion. But, when we look to our texts, we can see that this is wholly inaccurate.

14 Facts About Jews and Judaism That Every Person Should Know

Learn the basics of what Judaism and being Jewish is all about!

Repair and Apology: What Does Judaism Teach Us?

When is the last time you genuinely apologized to someone for something you did? What makes an apology worthwhile? What steps do people need to take in order for an apology to be sincere? Do you think Judaism’s “opinion” will agree with yours?