The Torah teaches us that every generation is obligated to tell the story of the Exodus from Egyptian bondage into freedom as if we personally experienced it. Passover is the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday throughout all streams of Judaism. The holiday also takes on contemporary meaning reflecting the moral, ethical issues and the realities of the day. This year its message is particularly poignant. more

Passover commemorates the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is observed by avoiding leaven, and highlighted by the Seder meals that include four cups of wine, eating … more

Community members, elected officials and members of the South Baldwin Jewish Center gathered outside the community menorah on Dec. 10 to mark the first night of Hanukkah. Nassau County Executive … more

"What are the Hanukkah takeaways today? The holiday falls at the darkest time of the year and the lights themselves bring joy into our homes. This year more than ever, we look forward to anything that can lighten the darkness that 2020 has brought into all of our lives. The message of the holiday is also important. Our beliefs are worth fighting for and it is important to hold on to our traditions that provide us with grounding, familiarity and a moral compass. The Maccabees’ determination and dedication to fighting for what they believed in is a lesson for oppressed minorities everywhere. Hanukkah is about religious freedom." more

The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, a decades-old tradition, went digital this year, giving Glen Cove’s faith leaders, elected officials and residents a new perspective on what they are thankful for after a year full of challenges. more

“Nothing I learned in rabbinical school could prepare me for the exact circumstances since I’ve been here,” said Oceanside Jewish Center Rabbi Aaron Marsh, reflecting on one year in his position at the synagogue — a year that challenged him to bring new people together in new ways. more

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement begins at sundown on Sunday evening. Yom Kippur, is a day when Jews fast and ask for God’s forgiveness through a day of intense prayer having had a 10-day period to make amends with those they have wronged during the previous year. more

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year Festival, is a time where those of the Jewish faith take 10 days to look within and see what needs to be changed, said Rabbi Irwin Huberman of Congregation Tifereth Israel in Glen Cove. more

As Jews gather this Friday evening, we will be welcoming the Sabbath, as well as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year of 5781. During the upcoming High Holy Days — the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur — we will engage in prayer and reflect on the year that has passed. Without a doubt, the intention we bring to our prayers will be influenced by the unprecedented global health crisis of these past seven months. more

Rabbi David Lerner and his family were given a warm welcome to their new Rockville Centre home this month. The Sisterhood of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David presented the new rabbi with a mezuzah and joined him as he hung it on the doorpost of the parsonage on Sept. 6. more