Shavuot is often known as the holiday that celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Historically, it began as an agricultural festival marking the wheat harvest in ancient Israel, but over time it became associated with the moment when the Israelites stood together at Sinai and accepted the covenant and responsibilities of Torah. That acceptance is important. The Israelites are not simply “given” Torah. They stand together and answer: Na’aseh v’nishma“ We will do, a

Rabbi Jamie wears several hats, one of which is for whom she wrote this column. Image credit: Lilian Broca Many think of Purim, which begins at sundown on Monday, as a joyous holiday celebrated with carnivals, hamantaschen (cookies that look like hats), and costume parties. It is all of that, but it’s also a more complex holiday, layered with themes of antisemitism, revenge, the objectification of women, and behind-the-scenes politics. Yet behind-the-scenes politics are not n

Earlier this month I spent two weeks in Israel. I hadn’t been back in 10 years. I had the honor to share some thoughts on the trip at Beth Chaim Congregation on 1/23/26. I didn’t come back with answers — but I did come back with a deeper sense of what makes coexistence possible and what makes it so fragile. You can view the video of my sermon here . And here are some photos of the trip Our group of 23 rabbis overlooking Jerusalem. Leora Eilon speaking to our group A home