Purim: A Day to Be Your Truest Self 🎭🎉
Rabbi Artson reminds us that we all play socially assigned roles—following invisible rules about how to act, where to sit, and who we can reach out to. But Purim is our chance to break free. By putting on costumes and embracing the joyous chaos, we step outside our everyday roles and glimpse a version of ourselves unbound by societal conventions.
So this Purim, let’s celebrate freedom, authenticity, and raucous joy! Wishing you a holiday filled with laughter, connection, and the courage to be your truest self, not just on Purim but every day.
✨ Happy Purim! ✨
📺 Watch Rabbi Artson’s full message and let us know—who will you be this Purim?
🌿✨ Celebrate Tu Bishvat: The Birthday of the Trees this Thursday, February 13th
Spring is here, and with it comes Tu Bishvat—the Jewish New Year for the trees! 🌳🌎 Rabbi Brad Artson shares how this holiday invites us to recognize the beauty of the natural world and express gratitude for the cycle of life.
So on Tu Bisvhat, which starts Wednesday at sundown, take a moment to appreciate the earth’s blessings and celebrate the renewal of spring all around us. 🌱💚
💙 "We are the angels we seek, and we are the redemption we need."
In the wake of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Rabbi Brad Artson shares a powerful message about resilience, community, and the power of kindness. While the recent rains have helped weaken the remaining fires, the true healing comes from people stepping up to help each other. Neighbors helping neighbors, strangers helping out and becoming part of a community.
Now is the time to reach out, to support those in need, and to remind one another that we are never alone.
As we light the candles tonight, Rabbi Brad Artson shares a powerful message about the enduring light of Hanukkah. Just like the oil that miraculously burned for eight nights, we too can discover the strength within ourselves to shine through challenging times.
🌟 "If we dig deep... we will find the capacity to exceed and surpass and to get to our goals." 🌟
May this Hanukkah remind us all to keep the flame of hope and resilience burning bright. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and inspiring Festival of Lights!
✨ It's almost here, Hanukkah starts tonight at sundown! 🕎
Josh Feldman, a first-year Ziegler School rabbinical student, shares a moving message about the power of proudly displaying our Hanukkah lights. "This year, as we light our menorahs, let’s place them in the window proudly and be a true light unto the nations."
In a time when challenges confront us, Hanukkah reminds us of the strength and resilience of the Jewish spirit. Let the light of your menorah shine brightly as a symbol of miracles, hope, and faith for all to see.
Wishing you a joyous Festival of Lights from all of us at AJU and the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies!
🕎 Hanukkah is almost here, and Rabbi Cheryl Peretz has a beautiful message to share with us as we prepare for the Festival of Lights!
✨ "Hanukkah is not just about the act of lighting candles, but about asking ourselves: How can I bring more light into the world? How can I do more tomorrow than today, and even more the next day?"
As we get ready to celebrate with family, food, and joy, let’s reflect on how we can each be a source of light and hope in the world. How will you bring more light into the world this Hanukkah? Let us know in the comments! 🌟
This Thanksgiving, Rabbi Cheryl Peretz reminds us to find gratitude in every moment. Whether it’s a sunrise, a shared meal, or reconnecting with an old friend, our tradition teaches us to pause, bless, and recognize the abundance of God's presence in our lives. 🙏💖
May this season inspire us all to walk through life with strength, gratitude, and a sense of connection. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁✨
Why do we spend so much time in the sukkah during Sukkot? First-year Ziegler Rabbinical student Michael Feldman shares his insights in this reel, exploring the deeper meaning behind dwelling in these temporary structures. Sukkot and our experiences in the sukkah help us connect with nature, community, and our Jewish identities.
🌿 What have you done in a sukkah so far this holiday? Share your experiences below!
Rabbi Rosenbaum shares a profound Yom Kippur custom. G'mar chatima tovah! 🕊️ ✨
🌟 Neilah, the final service on Yom Kippur, is a deep time for reflection and to slow down before we finish the holiest day of the year. Brian Blum, a first-year Ziegler School student, shares an inspiring teaching on the meaning of the Neilah service. Watch the full reel and reflect on the significance of these sacred moments! 🙏✨
🕊️ "May this Yom Kippur be a time of rebirth and transcendence." 🕊️
Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson shares a powerful reflection on the meaning of Yom Kippur. Once a time for cleansing the altar in the ancient Temple, Yom Kippur has evolved into a day for cleansing our hearts. It’s a chance to release the past, heal from wounds, and embrace new possibilities. 🌟
As we approach Yom Kippur, let us reflect on how we can move closer to becoming our best selves. ✨
First year Ziegler student Jacob Perl shares their thoughts on the most important part of the High Holiday season: the shofar. As we hear its call leading up to and during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, what is the deeper significance behind this powerful tradition?