What is ExploringJudaism?
ExploringJudaism is a digital home for Conservative Judaism.
ExploringJudaism is a home for Torah that embraces the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning and learning. There is always something to learn and explore.
ExploringJudaism seeks to help people find explainers on subjects they wish to learn more about, practical guides on how to observe Judaism, and reflections on how to make life more meaningful.
Our approach is rooted in Conservative Judaism and in the ideas that Judaism grows with us, that we’re guided by process, and that there is beauty in the balance.
We are learning as we grow.
Judaism is a work in progress, an ever-evolving Tradition. It is hard to imagine that Rabbi Akiva, a rabbi from the first century, could have anticipated Zoom services, virtual hevrutot/study groups, and information on demand. That is part of what we seek, a Judaism that grows as we do.
Why should I put up a mezuzah?
Putting up a mezuzah is a millennia-old public expression of Jewish identity: a meaningful way to mark liminal times in our lives and homes.
Hold Onto This Rope
Rabbi Jessica Fisher reflects on the overturning of Roe: Mitzvot are a rope tossed overboard to haul us up from the depths and back to safety.
I Cried: A Reflection on the Overturning of Roe
Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal reflects on the overturning of Roe, the emotions she experienced, and the wisdom of Rabbi Chanina.
What is Tzedakah?
Jewish tradition does not see contributions to the community’s welfare as mere charity, but rather as tzedakah, literally “acts of justice.”
Unpacking the Phrase: Barukh HaShem
What does “Barukh HaShem” really mean? What is the origin of this phrase? If we don’t believe in God, how do we relate to the phrase?