In congregations that gather on Shabbat afternoon for Mincha, Maariv, and Havdalah, there is often a quiet, liminal stretch of time between the afternoon service and the moment when evening can properly begin. Communities fill that in‑between space with a light meal, the Seudah Shlishit, the third Sabbath meal, and a bit of learning. The most common text for that study is Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of the Fathers. Many traditional siddurim—including Lev Shalem—print Avot immedia

This coming Monday night and Tuesday is Lag BaOmer. Lag, lamed and gimel, represent the numbers 30 and 3, thus 33 days of the counting of the Omer, the days between the beginning of Passover and the observance of Shavuot, the 50-day period linking the Exodus from Egypt to the Revelation of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Lag BaOmer is not an official holiday, yet as with many traditions in Judaism it takes on the trappings of a holiday, with special customs and rituals that set it

Posted March 20, 2026 - Nissan 2, 5786 The last item on our agenda at the Passover Seder just prior to dinner is designated as “Korech,” better known as “Hillel’s Sandwich.” After completing the mitzvah of telling the story of the Exodus in various ways, we offer praise to God with the opening two Psalms of the Hallel prayers and a concluding blessing leading into the drinking of the second of the four cups of wine. At this point, we prepare for the festive meal. First, we wa

Originally Posted February 20, 2026 - 3 Adar, 5786 You may have noticed an article published last week in the Chicago Tribune by Adriana Pérez entitled “Human Composting Offers an Environmentally Friendly End. Some Are Pushing to Legalize It in Illinois.” Though this method of handling human remains is not presently offered in this state, as of last week, several companies who offer this service in Washington State where it has been legal since 2020, began offering logistica