COVER STORY:
TIMELESS WISDOM OF ROSH HASHANAH
- MEET MARCIA FALK—The famous poet and translator talks about updating the readings for this season. The Jewish High Holidays always raise universal themes. Her new book presents these inspiring and challenging themes in a fresh and authentic voice.
- LEARN ABOUT THE HOLIDAY—Jewish scholar Joe Lewis and our Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton bring you a fascinating overview of this ancient observance.
- LYNNE MEREDITH GOLODNER—This popular author and speaker often shares stories about contemporary family life. For Rosh Hashanah, Lynne writes about renewing the ancient tradition of tashlikh, the casting away of last year’s regrettable choices.
- DEBRA DARVICK—Trying to describe the spiritual power of the High Holidays, Debra compares the experience of Rosh Hashanah to the restoration of a beloved painting.
- BOBBIE LEWIS—Bobbie’s FeedTheSpirit columns bring us stories about the deeper meaning of foods for individuals, families and communities. This week, she explores the little-known custom of a Rosh Hashanah Seder.
OUR VALUES:
WHAT SHOULD WE TEACH OUR CHILDREN?
OurValues creator, University of Michigan sociologist Wayne Baker, reports on fascinating new research into what Americans say we should be teaching our children.
- PART 1—Can you spot the No. 1 value Americans chose from this list of 12 values?
- PART 2—More common ground than you think?
- PART 3—Is “religious faith” more important than “tolerance”?
- PART 4—Just how much “curiosity” do we want? Is there a lesson in this week’s Colorado school protest.
- PART 5—Are we more unified than we think?
- THIS AUTUMN Wayne Baker is making a number of public appearances to talk about the findings in his new book United America.
BULLYING IS NO LAUGHING MATTER
This week’s new comic (and activity guide for adults to use with kids) is Dan Tompson’s Rip Haywire.
- GET READY—October is National Bullying Prevention Month and October 22 is Unity Day, the central focus of that observance. We encourage our readers to participate by getting our social media Badge, proclaiming Bullying Is No Laughing Matter, and telling your friends about this ongoing effort by dozens of famous cartoonists.
- SEE ALL THE COMICS—We’ve already published seven activity guides along with comics for adults to use in discussions with the kids we love.
CELEBRATING JEWISH PEACEMAKERS
Daniel Buttry’s popular Interfaith Peacemakers department marks Rosh Hashanah by celebrating a trio of Jewish peacemakers.
- HENRIETTA SZOLD—The founder of Hadassah saw health care as a universal vocation.
- HAYM SALOMON—Called “The Financial Hero of the American Revolution.”
- STEPHEN WISE—This highly respected rabbi also was a tireless activist for social justice.
- REMEMBERING WORLD WAR I—Yes, we still have our links to inspiring stories on the World War I Centennial.
HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS
Enjoy all of our Holiday stories at www.InterfaithHolidays.com
- ROSH HASHANAH—Celebrate New Year 5775.
- AUTUMNAL EQUINOX—Also known as Mabon to Pagans.
- MESKEL—UNESCO now recognizes the global significance of this huge Ethiopian festival.
- HISPANIC AWARENESS MONTH—Nationwide, the middle of September starts a month-long campaign to raise awareness of Hispanic and Latino Americans. How much do you know? MSU’s Joe Grimm just posted this 10-question cultural quiz. Try it!
- BANNED BOOKS WEEK—This week is the American Library Association’s annual Banned Books Week. The OurValues project reported on the complex issues surrounding this issue.
GREAT FILMS
AND GREAT STORIES
Faith-and-film writer Edward McNulty has a wide array of new reviews this week in his Visual Parables department.
- THE DROP—James Gandolfini’s last film is gripping and thought-provoking film noir. (4 out of 5 stars)
- THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU—A comedy about a mixed-faith family coping with the death of a patriarch. (3.5 out of 4 stars)
- REMEMBERING ROBIN WILLIAMS—In our series remembering the comedian’s film career, we review Cadillac Man.
- SEE ALL THE FILMS—Here’s the A-to-Z index to Ed McNulty’s 1,000-plus reviews.
And we also have great new stories from these popular columnists …
- SUZY FARBMAN—A family learns to “Live Life Like Lil.”
- RODNEY CURTIS—Whatever else you read this week, don’t miss these photographs of cancer-fighting heroes by Rodney Curtis.
- JANE WELLS—Tracking down partners in human trafficking.
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