The blasts of the shofar evoke feelings and emotions that otherwise would not have the time nor the space to come out. As I stand in silence, and hear the shrill blast, I am reminded of what is coming. Not of the large meal and countless hours in synagogue, but I am reminded of the opportunity to start anew.

Every year is a cycle of beginnings and ending, and every year I take stock of what has changed. It seems coincidental that the New Year comes as the seasons change, from summer to fall here in the northern hemisphere, and from winter to spring in the southern hemisphere. The sun sets a little bit earlier, and still-warm days have a feeling of change.

When my father handed me the ripped-up, yellowed copy that he’d picked up for me at a half-price sale at a used-bookstore, my first reaction was, “Isn’t this a movie with Roseanne?”

His Dark Materials is truly a trilogy adults can enjoy. Pullman may have written them originally with a younger audience in mind, but they’re intelligent enough for anyone to appreciate. If you like fantasy books and especially if you’re a fan of Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia, these books are a must read.

Living or studying abroad - here is your manual!

We’ve heard of people who hate their religious identity, or sexual orientation, but what about urban identity? Is there is therapy for that?

Let’s be honest - it might be a cliché, but you only get one chance to make a first impression. What I’m trying to say only applies to people who are willing to be honest. If I told you I was a spinal surgeon who didn’t see the Sox win the World Series because I was imprisoned while stranded on a deserted island – then it’s okay to waive the second chance.

Between working, dating and simply being fabulous, it gets hard for an independent Jewish woman to find the time to give back to her community. Find out how!

I remember when it was bad cell phone etiquette to gab away about personal issues or have a fight in public, so for many young people it is done through those little letters on a screen. It is common to hear stories of people flirting, getting dumped, or having fights via SMS.

Shebrew says good-bye to former Jerusalem Mayor, Theodore Kollek…