Stories,photos

33 results total, viewing 1 - 10

Stained glass window honoring Sir Nicholas George Winton at Memorial Park of the Great Synagogue in Budapest, Hungary.

From Budapest to Bucharest: synagogues, cemeteries and the arts and artists of Jewish memory

On a recent Eastern European river cruise I had the opportunity to visit synagogues and cemeteries in both Budapest, Hungary, and Bucharest, Romania, with outstanding guides. The synagogue in Budapest was part of a general tour offered to all... more

Patricia Raskin | 8/7/26

The world on a Jewish table

Food has always played an important role in Jewish life because it connects daily eating with identity, memory and community. Jewish food is not a single cuisine, but a family of cuisines shaped by religion, history, migration and local culture.... more

Patricia Raskin | 6/9/26

Scenes from Pets in the Parking Lot at Temple Emanu-El in Providence.

There is a pet party in the parking lot at Temple Emanu-El

I interviewed Sharon Sock, director of engagement at Temple Emanu-El in Providence, about the Pet Party in the Parking Lot program in its fourth year that she and her team created. How did Pets in the Parking Lot begin and what first... more

Patricia Raskin | 5/5/26

Tikkun Olam in the Jewish garden

The concept of Tikkun Olam ("repairing the world") can be applied to Jewish gardening. It is the active, spiritual and physical engagement in healing the earth, viewing it as a partnership with God. In biblical terms, it is guardianship... more

Patricia Raskin | 4/12/26

Scenes from the Temple Emanu-El Purim spiel.

The joy and mitzvot of Purim

Purim is a joyous holiday in February/March celebrating the salvation of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them in ancient Persia, as told in the Biblical Book of Esther. It is commemorated by festive meals, wearing costumes and giving... more

Patricia Raskin | 3/4/26

Camp lessons for us all

The value of camp goes beyond fellowship and learning. It gives both children and adults experiences that focus on doing. Adult learning theory shows us that the more we practice skills and engage in solving problems, the more we retain and own... more

Patricia Raskin | 2/4/26

Kindness is key to health and wellness

As we enter the secular new year I would like to explore the concept of kindness, a key element of health and wellness. We hear a lot about kindness and I believe that kindness is a building block of communication that promotes health and... more

Patricia Raskin | 1/21/26

Female Orthodox Rabbi breathes new life into Hanukkah Yiddish tales

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rabbi Miriam Udel on my program and wanted to share her work and Hanukkah tale with Jewish RI readers. Miriam Udel is the Judith London Evans Director of the Tam Institute of Jewish Studies and associate... more

Patricia Raskin | 12/8/25

The depth and breadth of aging

The topic of seniors is very close to home for me as I am an early baby boomer. Up until recently, age was just a number, and my passion, persistence and purpose continued non-stop. But of late, I have been reflecting about years and realize no... more

Patricia Raskin | 11/8/25

Resolving conflict with Jewish values and High Holy Days principles

Jewish values are at the core of goals to resolve conflicts. These values are honesty, respect, communal responsibility, ethical conduct, honest self-assessment, seeing each other’s perspective, restorative justice and striving for peace The... more

Patricia Raskin | 10/23/25