Word Prompt – ZEALOUS – Esther Shulkes
In our comics, the zealotry of Batman keeps Gotham safe, and in our Torah, lehavdil, the zealotry of Pinchas ultimately saved lives and resulted in peace.
Word Prompt – WAXY – Yonatan Milevsky
It may be hard to believe, but there was a time when Jews had to place wax in their ears – it is said that this came from their wives' candles – in order to prevent them from hearing Christian sermons.
Word Prompt – ORANGES – Kylie Lobell
My husband Daniel and I moved from New York to Los Angeles 12 years ago, and during 10 of those years, we've had an orange tree in our backyard. This is common in LA, as the weather is ideal for growing produce.
Word Prompt – SILVER – Sarah Pachter
Our society is results-focused. You can be the second-fastest runner in the world, but society doesn’t care. You lost. You’re not getting the endorsements.
Word Prompt – SHIVER – Kylie Ora Lobell
I keep dreaming of the day when the hostages are freed and we can hug them. I imagine that they will look at all the support they received from the Jewish people during their time in captivity and know how much we love them.
Word Prompt – SINAI – Tamir Goodman
It’s the perfect time to remember that Hashem entrusted each of us with a special mission in this world.
Word Prompt – SHTREIMEL – Jordana Baruchov
The shtreimel serves as a tangible connection to the rich cultural heritage of Eastern European Jews. By wearing the shtreimel, individuals affirm their identity and connection to their ancestors who also wore similar attire.
Word Prompt – MAPS – Eli Lebowicz
I probably know where I’m going, but I doubt myself, worried that I’ll mess up and make a wrong turn somewhere.
Word Prompt – SPRING – Ann Koffsky
Spring is also allergy season. Time to stock up on the Zyrtec. For some reason, this always surprises me and feels terribly unjust. Why, oh why, just as things are getting so beautiful do I also have to feel goopy and miserable?
Word Prompt – MELECH – Ariel Rackovsky
Perhaps this is why Aleinu, a declaration of faith and belief in G-d as king, is a centerpiece of the Mussaf on Rosh Hashana. In saying it, we are challenged to ask a simple yet uncomfortable question. Have we made G-d our King?
Word Prompt – DIASPORA – Daniel Finkelman
Life rarely moves forward in a straight line. Likewise, we should not feel obliged to follow a logical and direct progression in our spiritual development.
Word Prompt – MELECH – Shlomo Litvin
Perhaps it's a benefit to us that we can't see real kings today. It allows us to strengthen our desire, so as we gather in shul this year, we not only crown Hashem as our melech...
Word Prompt – HAMAN – Moish Warsawsky
This is what Haman has become. His name heralds a raucous time of celebration for the Jews, gathered together on the cusp of a day we spend joyously.
Word Prompt – GOLD – Chani Miller
Nestled in the brushed velvet was a chevron shaped gold necklace; a style that was very popular for a very hot second.
Word Prompt – ANGER – Bin Goldman
To effectively manage anger, it's essential to relinquish the need to control the upsetting event and the subsequent thoughts and feelings.
Word Prompt – MILCHIG – David Curwin
While the average Israeli won’t know the word milchig, they will know the English cognate milky. It’s the name of a very popular chocolate dairy pudding.
Word Prompt – DOVES – Cheryl Kupfer
The dove was sent by Noah three times. It returned to the ark twice, portraying the middot of commitment and loyalty, both to Noah and its mate. It took its responsibilities to heart.
Word Prompt – DOVES – Ziona Greenwald
Despite being part of the pigeon family – a far less beloved creature, typically associated with urban grime – doves represent purity. (Contrary to universal imagery, however, they come in other colors besides white.)
Word Prompt – JEREMIAH – Daniel Finkelman
The narrow strait, however, is not a roadblock; on the contrary, it is a mechanism for increased productivity.
Word Prompt – LEAVES – Ita Yankovich
It’s heartening to see the once virid foliage turn crackly and dull, but this is requisite needed for its overall survival.
Word Prompt – COUNTRY – Ann Koffsky
The issue of identification with a country can go far deeper and far longer past a simple yom tov, too. Immigrants from all over the world come to America, yet still retain the culture and flavor along with them.
Word Prompt – FLOWERS – JJ Eleff
Flowers are Hashem’s present to all of us. It is one thing in this world that you can pick up anywhere and take with you, a little gift saying I made this beautiful world for you, enjoy it!
Word Prompt – RIVKA – Maayan Zik
This venture seems like an introvert dipping her toes in extroverted waters, trying new things she’d never imagine doing before. This experience brings her tremendous blessings.