Author

  • Alex Friedman

    Alex Friedman (he/him) is a Rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in his final year of study. He was a fellow in the first cohort of the Exploring Judaism's Writer's Fellowship. A native Texan, Alex grew up in the Conservative movement and has worked with and for Conservative communities across the US and in Israel. He holds a BA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies (NEJS) and Politics from Brandeis University. Alex enjoys cooking, podcasts, Jewish music and niggunim, queer Torah, and collecting owl tchotchkes.

Alex Friedman (he/him) is a Rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in his final year of study. He was a fellow in the first cohort of the Exploring Judaism’s Writer’s Fellowship. A native Texan, Alex grew up in the Conservative movement and has worked with and for Conservative communities across the US and in Israel. He holds a BA in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies (NEJS) and Politics from Brandeis University. Alex enjoys cooking, podcasts, Jewish music and niggunim, queer Torah, and collecting owl tchotchkes.

My Posts

Unmasking a Queer Ancestor Mordecai

Unmasking a Queer Ancestor: Mordecai

Mordecai, Purim, and queerness come to invite all of us, queer or not, to work towards and reap the rewards of a free world.
5 Myths about Jewish Prayer

5 Myths about Jewish Prayer

Prayer is one of the most common and misunderstood parts of Jewish life. Here are five myths about Jewish prayer.
Help! I’m Bored During the Torah Service!

Help! I’m Bored During the Torah Service!

Take charge of your Jewish learning and the Torah service can become an opportunity to know and think Jewishly more today than yesterday.
What Does the Shema Mean?

What Does the Shema Mean?

The Shema is the twice-daily renewal of our vows, to focus on what matters in the world: love, relationship, community and the Holy.
A Jew Knows How to Cry

A Jew Knows How to Cry

Not only does God cry, but so does Moses in the basket when he's found by Batya, Pharaoh's daughter. Why does this moment matter?
The Eight Steps to Learn to Lead a Prayer Service

The Eight Steps to Learn to Lead a Prayer Service

Interested in leading services for your community? This guide will help you, step by step, take on this amazing communal role.
The Dignity of Self-Definition

The Dignity of Self-Definition

We can choose, in our relationships, to see others as if through G-d’s eyes. This helps us be less alone and to see one another's ...
Why Do Jews Pray 3 Times a Day?

Why Do Jews Pray 3 Times a Day?

Our tradition mandates we pray three times a day, but why? There are 2 theories. But, we might ask: What does it mean to pray?
The Rabbis' Boogeyman: Learning About Forgiveness

The Rabbis’ Boogeyman: Learning About Forgiveness

What can we learn about forgiveness from the Rabbis' boogeyman? Esau is that boogeyman but we can learn from his relationship with Jacob.