“with over 11 million people out of work” and “countless Jewish families here and around the world who suddenly can’t put food on their table,” we must do more than invite strangers to our Seders and symbolically open our doors to Elijah. This year, “We all need to open our doors, our hearts, our wallets, a little wider.”

Passover is the time to celebrate the end of bondage, the beginning of freedom. We are taught to retell the story, and are responsible for making sure we, and others, can live it out.

Have a happy and meaningful Passover!

Tel Aviv is very much a bustling metropolis, but the video below presents a more sedate take on the city.  An initiative called the Balloon Project, which began in San Fransisco, recently released a bunch of helium-filled balloons over Tel Aviv.  The video captured from this flight is from the balloon’s point of view, and is the longest of its kind ever recorded!

The video is slow and meditative, and it’s interesting to see the way the city develops as the balloon floats higher and higher.  Talk about reaching for the stars…

Last Monday was Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish New Year for the Trees. It’s a lot like Arbor Day, a time when we mark the coming of spring and celebrate nature in general. Some communities host Tu B’Shvat seders or plant trees in honor of the holiday.

This Saturday is Valentine’s Day, which has no explicit Jewish connotations- the closest holiday is Tu B’Av, a little-known celebration which has gained popularity in Israel.

Tu B’Shvat is definitely a time to change the world, especially with the recent focus in Washington on green technology and renewable energy sources.  But what about Valentine’s Day?  How do we use this time to “reach for the stars”?

Jewcy contributor Dara Lehon has a few suggestions for redefining the day that we can all take to “heart”:

Instead of a getting a teddy bear, save a kitty from the pound; instead of spending hundreds of dollars on dinner, cook a meal together-or volunteer at a soup kitchen; instead of traveling on a romantic vacation, take a winter walk, run, or bike ride-anything without a car or plane. Instead of buying chocolate, get some arugula and squash at the local farmer’s market. After all, nothing says “I Love You” like a good butternut.

Romance and celebrations of feelings should, in no way, be overlooked. In fact, they should be embraced (and not on national TV or Facebook alone).

But maybe it’s time to redefine our thinking, to overhaul the system, to embrace our singledom-or coupledom-and to seek out newness. And, in the spirit of Tu’Bshvat–or this month–plant some new seeds.

This February, instead of killing flowers, I say create life instead.

“I do so much because time is precious- I never waste my time,” she says. 

Below is a video describing the work of the Gila Almagor Wish Fund.  Ms. Almagor will be coming to Chicago in late March- check back soon for more information!

Yet, Sderot has managed to produce some of Israel’s most exciting and diverse musical acts.

Sometimes the best way to change the world is by refusing to let it change you.

A new documentary, “Sderot: Rock in the Red Zone,” highlights the numerous bands who have emerged from this situation in the past years.  They are helping the residents express their frustrations and concerns, raising awareness for the situation, and creating some amazing songs.  Below is the trailer.

Louder Than a Bomb is a film about passion, competition, teamwork, and trust. Its about the joy of being young, and the pain of growing up. Its about speaking out, making noise, and finding your voice.

It also just happens to be about poetry.

Chicago’s Kevin Coval co-founded the “Louder than a Bomb” teen poetry festival eight years ago, and it has since grown into the largest of its kind in the country. Below is a video promo for a documentary being made about the festival. “Louder than a Bomb” is building bridges and empowering young voices.

Kevin, originally from Chicago’s northern suburbs, found his poetic voice while wrestling with Jewish tradition and falling in love with hip-hop. And now he’s taking his talent and passion and changing the face of our coomunity.

Challah for Hunger raises awareness of and money for hunger and disaster relief, through the production and sale of challah bread. (From ChallahforHunger.org)

“Challah, like the mannah that the Israelites ate wandering through the desert, provides for people in the way they need to be provided for,” Eli explained.  “There are the causes we support, and the people who eat the challah, but also some people learn business skills, some build a sense of community, or learn to feel comfortable in the kitchen, or reconnect with Jewish ritual.  It’s a little different for everyone.” 

Eli’s innovative project is certainly proof that every one of us can be extraordinary. The idea that started with boredom in her dorm room has now blossomed into a 16-chapter enterprise that has raised over $75000 for hunger and disaster relief, primarily in Darfur, since its inception.

Anyone who is interested in starting a chapter of Challah for Hunger can do it! Just contact Eli at eli@hazon.org for more information.

Below is a video from an upcoming documentary on the cooperative which both tells the back story and gives some insight into how coffee is made- so sit back, have a cup ‘o joe, and enjoy!

“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You shall not pick your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger.”

– Leviticus 19:9-10

We’re all thinking about the tasty meal awaiting us for Thanksgiving dinner, so why not also take this time to help get food to others? Check out what Mazon or, more locally, the Ark are doing.  If Israel is more up your alley, Meir Panim is a great organization responding to community hunger needs.

As one blogger writes, “Thanksgiving..is about general thankfulness and eating a turkey. And Jews can get into that.”
Happy Thanksgiving!