When I first began working in the Tikvah Program at Camp Ramah in New England in 1984, all of the counselors came to Tikvah from OUTSIDE of Ramah. My co-counselor, for example, was studying [...]
As someone who loves to cook and eat, I appreciate the way that our cuisine helps to tell our Jewish stories and guides us through the yearly cycle of Jewish holidays. As the darkness increases [...]
Recently, I participated in a webinar entitled “Inclusion and Sensitivity.” It was impressive not only for the content but for the fact that it was a collaborative effort of the Conservative [...]
I am always asked why I fight so hard for inclusion. Why do I care so much? The short answer? I believe that God wants every person to be in this world. The Torah teaches us that people with [...]
I had a familiar dream last night. I was driving our car, kids inside, and the brakes weren’t working. No matter how hard I pressed the brake pedal, the car wouldn’t stop. In most of these [...]
Meredith, Matan’s Director of Training and Advocacy, teaches an online course at Gratz College entitled Special Needs in Jewish Education. This post is the product of an assignment in which [...]
The idea of having twins was something we often chided about. To say we were giddy and excited when we heard the news would be an enormous understatement. Once the magical feeling sank in, we [...]
Written by Rabbi Dan Grossman Surely every child is a unique gift. The story of our ancestors begins the year with a story of a child, a gift, unique and beloved. The child of Abraham and Sara, [...]
For 8-year-old Noah Aldrich, his 6-year-old sibling, Lucas, is more than a brother; he’s a best friend. And to say they go everywhere together doesn’t even scratch the surface. [...]
Written by Rabbi Jerry Levy On Shabbat Behar, May 10, 2014, my family and I were privileged to celebrate the bat mitzvah of my granddaughter, Sydni Elyse Levy. Here is a video of the occasion. As [...]