Author Archives: Cruger Synagogue

Shavuot is the ultimate Yom Tov, for it commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. On the first day of the holiday, it is incumbent on all Jews to hear the Ten Commandments (as it is read in synagogue). On the second day, the celebration continues, and we also take a momentContinue reading “DAY OF THE TORAH–DAY OF TRUTH”

The holiday of Purim is one of the most joyous on the Jewish calendar. We celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The essence of evil, Haman–a descendant of Amalek, the pinnacle of Jew hatred–sought to have the Jewish people annihilated; wiped from the face of the earth. But the pious Mordechai and his niece,Continue reading “PURIM: WHEN DARKNESS BECOMES LIGHT”

Most people don’t equate Yom Kippur with “light,” but perhaps see it as a day intense in its darkness. But by striving to atone for our sins, to “return” through “T’shuvah,” the truth of repentence, we actually create a new light; a beacon of our souls seeking to overcome our failings and help to radiateContinue reading “YOM KIPPUR SHINES FORTH”

Shavuot celebrates the greatest event in history, the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. It is incumbent on all Jews to hear the 10 Commandments read on the first day of the holiday. We also celebrate by eating dairy foods, since the Torah is compared to milk which flows andContinue reading “SHOUT OUT FOR SHAVUOT”

On the evening of April 22, Jews all around the globe light candles, pray, then sit down to a Seder, as we commemorate the holiday of Passover, or “Pesach,” as we like to say. Of course, this eight-day Yom Tov celebrates the redemption of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. As we relive those days,Continue reading “LET THE REDEMPTION CONTINUE”

It’s once again time to celebrate Purim, a most joyous time of year. We remember the triumph of Mordechai and Queen Esther, overcoming the evil Haman, who sought the extinction of the Jews. Instead, it was he who became extinct–being hung on the gallows he built for the Jews! Ever since, Jews the world overContinue reading “PURIM PRIDE…A TIME FOR JEWS TO SURVIVE & THRIVE”

Now is the time for all Jews to stand up and be counted! So please join us at our Annual Chanukah Party, as one small Bronx Synagogue answers the call to show our support for our brothers and sisters in Israel, as they fight to deny the evil of Hamas. And we also light theContinue reading “SHUL-IDARITY FOR ISRAEL”

Please join us as NJOP’s Sukkot Across America initiative sponsors a “Sukkot For All” event in our synagogue. This interactive Sukkot Chol Hamoed (intermediate days of the holiday) program is geared toward Jews of all levels of observance. But if you’ve never spent time in a Sukkah, this is definitely a must-attend experience. Learn allContinue reading “SUKKOT ACROSS AMERICA COMES TO CRUGER”

During these days of Holiness which are upon us, beginning from Rosh Hashanah and culminating in Simchat Torah, the holiday of Sukkot–the Festival of Booths–is not only about Holiness, but is also a most festive time. Sukkot is when we celebrate the fact that, during our 40 years of wandering in the desert, G-d providedContinue reading “DWELLING ON SUKKOT”

Yom Kippur begins with the recitation of Kol Nidre on Sunday night, September 24. As all Jews–no matter their level of observance–know, Yom Kippur is the most sacred day on the Jewish Calendar; the day marked from the beginning of creation for Jews to atone for their sins. The Torah commands us to afflict ourselvesContinue reading “THE SANCTITY OF YOM KIPPUR”