The westernmost member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Memories of a Neurosurgeon: Book Review of Judith’s Pavilion: The Haunting Memories of a Neurosurgeon, by Dr. Marc Flitter
BY MAT SGAN
As I sat on the UU Church bench, Marc went to his car and emerged with a copy of the subject book, which he handed to me. I was delighted to receive it. I take such pleasure… Continue reading
The Song of the Jade Lily: A Book Review
BY SID GOLDSTEIN
The novel, The Song of the Jade Lily, by Kirsty Manning deals with the little-known subject of the lives of Jewish refugees in Shanghai China during world War II. It is based on the historical fact that… Continue reading
T”U B’Shevat Seder at Sof: Learning as We Go
BY DINA YOSHIMI
Each year shortly after we enter the month of Shevat, the e-call for contributions to the T”U B’Shevat seder goes out. It’s the annual sign-up ritual when Sofers send in their top 3 choices for a contribution… Continue reading
What Does It Mean to Be Jewish in Hawaiʻi?
BY MAT SGAN AND ALEX GOLUB
Published in Journeys, the Publication of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism
Reprinted by Permission
When most of us imagine centers of American Jewish life, we are more likely to think of Manhattan or Los… Continue reading
Twelve Tribes Artwork: in Honor of the 60th Anniversary of Temple Emanu-El’s Sanctuary
Text, Images, and Artwork by Alice Flitter
In 2018, as hurricane Lane threatened Hawaiʻi, Temple Emanu-El removed the jalousie windows from their sanctuary and boarded up the 12 openings. When my husband, Marc, and I saw that raw plywood, in… Continue reading
My Conversion: My Birthday Present to Myself
Kay Lorraine
November 24th was my birthday, but it was also the anniversary of my conversion to Judaism. Fifty-two years ago, on my 21st birthday, I went to the mikveh as my birthday present to myself. … Continue reading
Crosses and Kaddish: How a Jewish Convert Mourns a Catholic Grandmother
Athena DeRasmo
I was not baptized or raised Catholic; but my precious grandmother Marie surely was – old school Portuguese, Roman Catholic. However, when I was growing up, I did not see much evidence of her practicing her religion.… Continue reading
Toledo: The Tale of Two Synagogues
By Kay Lorraine
After the expulsion of the Jews at the end of the 15th century, eight of Toledo’s ten synagogues and its five Talmudic schools were destroyed. The two remaining synagogues in Toledo are no longer used for… Continue reading
The Last Jews in Grenada
by Kay Lorraine
In August and September of this year, my husband and I rented a car and traveled throughout Spain, soaking up the culture (and some fine food). I knew, of course, about the Spanish Inquisition but I was… Continue reading
Sof in the Community
Mat Sgan Addresses Jewish Community Services Dinner on Behalf of Sof Maʻarav
On Sunday, November 17, Jewish Community Services of Hawaiʻi held their 21st Anniversary Dinner. Jews representing every Synagogue on Oʻahu were there. Mat Sgan, the author… Continue reading