Culture
Learning to Rest
I never let myself rest. At some point when I was sick with chronic illness, all I could do was…
Shira’s Story: Behind the Scenes of the New Layers Book
(1/6) Some of you may already know parts of my story. This next part I’ve been keeping to myself for…
Maybe A Little Brighter, Tomorrow
After my second son was born, I struggled with mild postpartum depression (PPD). It was bad enough to be struggling…
My Conversion Journey
I’m standing in front of the Jewish ritual bath, the mikvah, wearing only a white cotton robe and clear plastic…
The Gifts of Hands and Hope
From a very early age, I loved anything that involved art. My father is very artistic and I would watch…
Back to Butterfly
I was born in Moscow, an only child to very educated, intellectual, and refined parents. When I was 16 years…
Finding My Voice Through Letters
I have come to prefer silence. The sound of silence is far more pleasing than the sound of my voice…
Gates of Gold
My journey of self-discovery is one that takes place gradually over many years. It’s only looking back, that I can…
Why This Seder Will Be Different
So what is different about this Seder night than any other? This year that remains to be seen. This will…
Finding My Voice Through Letters
I have come to prefer silence. The sound of silence is far more pleasing than the sound of my voice…
Personal and Biblical Perspectives on Healing Through Music
After World Wars I and II, musicians began visiting wounded soldiers around the United States, playing familiar, soothing melodies to…
Alone
Fiction Mindy sits in the neurologist’s waiting room. To her right and left, patients—most with pinched brows and downturned lips—flip…