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Ahavnu Viduy by Rabbi Avi Weiss
The Torah has given us a path of awakening: a person needs to also rejoice themselves sometimes by articulating the good deeds that they have done, in the appropriate measure, in order to strengthen their heart in service. Rav Avi Weiss, founder of YCT, has been teaching all of us...
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Rosh Hashanah Greetings from Rabbi Dov Linzer
Rosh HaShanah, as the day in which the world was born, is a time to think globally about the health of our planet and of society. Last year was a turbulent one, with ominous, darkening skies, a growing tribalist mentality gripping our society in the States, the ongoing domestic upheaval...
Read more >Loving Other Jews: A Meditation
With all that’s happening in Israel, Rabbi Avi Weiss recently penned this poem-prayer, a Kavannah L’Ahavat Yisrael, and asks that communities begin to recite this in unity.
Reclaiming the Prophetic Voice at Rosh Hashana
The countdown is already underway to Rosh Hashana — New Year’s Day on the Jewish calendar, which, in 2023, falls on Sept. 15, ushering in the year 5784. This countdown is a daunting one for congregational rabbis, who will be pressed over the next two weeks to compose soul-stirring sermons...
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Rabbi Portman appointed senior Jewish educator and campus rabbi at OSU Hillel
Rabbi Aaron Portman (’21) assumed the role of senior Jewish educator and campus rabbi at The Ohio State University Hillel in Columbus on Aug. 20. According to a news release from OSU Hillel, Portman is a sixth-generation Central Ohioan. He was born in Bexley and attended Columbus Torah Academy before...
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Disabilities Inclusion Torah Reader
As Disability Pride Month comes to a close and as Tu b’Av draws near, we present the community with a Disabilities Inclusion Torah Reader. The need to create religious communities that are fully embracing and empowering of all its members is a matter of high priority for us at YCT...
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Brandeis is ‘Anything But’ Bad for Observant Jews
by Rabbi Seth Winberg (’11) for The Forward “Brandeis was founded by Jews. But, it’s anything but Orthodox.” A double-page advertisement from Brandeis University bearing these words ran in June 25’s issue of The New York Times Magazine, to the dismay of many observant Jews. Thankfully, the university president sent...
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A Year of Strong & Steady Growth: YCT Highlights of ’22-’23
Dear Friends, The 2022-23 year has been one of strong and steady growth for YCT, with a growing number of students here and in Israel, alumni in even greater positions of influence and reach, and more lives touched. This has all been possible thanks to your ongoing and increased investment...
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To Parent a Queer Child, Parents Also Need Support
Once a child comes out, the entire family is forced to face many of the same questions and challenges experienced by their queer child. Just as the child needs support in reducing shame and closetedness, and improving self-acceptance and how to self-advocate, so do families, especially parents. Only through working...
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Skokie Synagogue Renovation Reflects Congregation’s Recent Renaissance
The renovation of Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob reflects its transformation into a more inclusive Orthodox Jewish congregation under the leadership of Rabbi Ari Hart (’12).
