An Ancient Chanukah Menorah Wasn’t a Menorah At All!
The first ever recorded Chanukah Menorah was not a menorah in the traditional sense. The first menorah wasn’t even a candelabra. Instead, it was a brass box, rectangular in shape, reminiscent of the shape and design of the iconic lunch pail. Back in the day the lunch...
What’s a Rabbi Doing at the Nativity Scene?
By Rabbi Barbara Aiello Last year, 2024, I had an experience probably unrivaled in the rabbinical world; dressed in my rabbinical robe and traditional striped tallit, I joined the residents of a neighboring town to participate in the Italian traditional “presepe...
Hijacking the Holocaust
The high school in the town was new and high tech, something one doesn’t often see in the “toe” of the Italian “boot,” in the region of Calabria where I live and the region which is the poorest in all of Italy. And the school administration was forward thinking as...
The Swastika Tattoo
By Rabbi Barbara Aiello “It’s always a good day when my grandson comes to visit!” Lillian’s smile said it all as she gave a quick wave to her friends. “I’ve got to rush. Kyle loves kugel so I’m making it for him and his friend, Joe.” Lillian got to work and just like...
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