One week after the attack at Bondi Beach, our hanukkiyot glow with their fullest light. Writing from afar, the author reflects on fear, distance, and ...
One small gesture—a kind word and a saved seat—sparked a lasting sense of connection for this BJ member. Now, as part of the New Member ...
After time away, one couple returns to BJ and finds new ways to reconnect through small groups and warm Friday night greetings. In this heartfelt ...
As the Hanukkah lights push back the darkness, three BJ members reflect on the quiet courage of migrant families—and the powerful light of Thursday night ...
For Gideon Frankel and his family, joining BJ meant finding a spiritual home that honors both cultural and traditional Jewish roots. In this heartfelt reflection, ...
For nearly 40 years, Carol Gelles has helped BJ feel like home—showing up wherever she’s needed, from committees to leadership. Today, she’s a High Holy ...
A longtime synagogue volunteer in Little Rock, Arkansas, Carmen found a “balm for the soul” in BJ and sought a way to give back from ...
From a “Hanukkah dinner” conjured out of an empty fridge to a child mesmerized by a light switch, this piece traces one family’s relationship with ...
An original poem inspired by Parashat Toledot, by BJ member Jenny Golub.
This Elul, we invite you to join our community-wide writing project and share your reflections. We ask you to respond to the simple, yet profound, ...
The week of Hanukkah mirrors the reality in our lives that, most often, human achievement comes slowly, bit by bit, with commitment, patience, and discipline. ...
I was born to play Elizabeth Bennett. I’d been reading Pride and Prejudice, over and over since I was 9 years old, and I knew ...
I recently returned from a trip to Israel and Palestine sponsored by Combatants for Peace, and I am happy to share some stories of how ...
It has been many years now since I was on a silent retreat sponsored by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality. The morning schedule included a ...
We celebrate Hanukkah during the Northern Hemisphere’s darkest time of the year. Amidst this darkness, I am fortunate to be surrounded by an abundance of ...
How do we understand transformation? How can light enter a world bathed in so much darkness? Last year, on the 8th day of Hanukkah, my ...
Even when it doesn’t appear that sustaining light is possible. Even when the odds are not in our favor. Even when there is uncertainty about ...
I know we all have different beliefs, that is apparent, but the longer you talk to someone, the more we realize we are all alike. No ...
As we embarked on our trip to Arizona and our exploration of "immigration in America today," I asked our participants to write their own reflections ...
In a moment—in a single interaction—the ground can shift, altering how we experience ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our world.
In a moment—in a single interaction—the ground can shift, altering how we experience ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our world.
In a moment—in a single interaction—the ground can shift, altering how we experience ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our world.
In a moment—in a single interaction—the ground can shift, altering how we experience ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our world.
In a moment—in a single interaction—the ground can shift, altering how we experience ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our world.
For months, while the refugee crisis dominated the news, I wanted to help in some concrete way, yet I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of ...
In a moment—in a single interaction—the ground can shift, altering how we experience ourselves, our loved ones, our community, and our world.
For months, while the refugee crisis dominated the news, I wanted to help in some concrete way, yet I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of ...
