Mishkan Blog
Rosh Hashanah 5780: Holding on While Breaking Away
I took my first trip to Israel in 2002 for two months, and at the end of the trip we took a survey about how our sense of Jewish identity had developed and changed during the trip. And the last question was: How important is it for you to marry someone Jewish? Very...
Rosh Hashanah 5780: The Truth in Small Moments
Early one morning in August 1993, Jose Antonio Vargas’ mother dragged him out of bed and brought him to an airport in the Philippines. He was twelve years old. His mom had told him a few months earlier that they were going to join his grandparents and live in America....
When the Barber Shop Gets Spiritual
Every year I discover new dimension in the Jewish calendar, sparking my curiosity about some ancient custom or ritual and looking for meaning and application in my everyday life. Enter Lag B’Omer. This year, my next haircut is getting spiritual. Lag B'Omer? Say What?...
Marking Yom HaZikaron
The full name of Yom HaZikaron - Israeli Memorial Day - is "Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism." What began as a time to remember Israeli soldiers killed in the line of duty later expanded to remember victims of terrorism as well,...
Passover Pro-Tips
A not exhaustive but decently comprehensive list for seder hosting By: Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh Plan Ahead The beginning of the seder should not be the first time you’re picking up the Haggadah. Get to know the book, and make some decisions about what you want to...
The Love You Give
A not exhaustive but decently comprehensive list for seder hosting By: Rabbi Jeff Stombaugh Plan Ahead The beginning of the seder should not be the first time you’re picking up the Haggadah. Get to know the book, and make some decisions about what you want to...