by Tani Prell | Sep 10, 2026 | Holidays, Identity, Jewish Ritual
This year, something happens that doesn’t happen often: my two new years fall on the same day. On September 11, Ethiopians everywhere, Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and secular alike, will celebrate Enkutatash, the Ethiopian New Year. That same evening, as the sun...
by Tani Prell | May 8, 2026 | Arts & Culture, Holidays, Identity
My son will turn two at the end of the May, and I’ve been reflecting on how glad I am that his birthday falls during Jewish American Heritage Month. Reading has continued to be one of his favorite activities, so in celebration of the month and his birthday,...
by Tani Prell | Mar 17, 2026 | Holidays, Identity, Jewish Ritual
Can I have this dance? No. Not the hora! We can make our own! Something… Ethno-religious with a question mark. Jewish with a hyphen between the double u and the I but may nothing ever come between you and I in that way. Let’s keep the commandments. Prioritize the...
by Tani Prell | Nov 14, 2025 | Arts & Culture, Holidays, Identity
In a conversation with Be’chol Lashon, Avishai Mekonen reflects on the inspiration, process, and lasting meaning behind photography and film project “Seven Generations”. “Seven Generations” explores one particular group struggling to maintain...
by Tani Prell | Nov 11, 2025 | Holidays, Identity
“Is that the flag of Turkmenistan?” As my ride was pulling up, the bold green flag with a red rug-like stripe, affixed to the fender, proudly charged forward. The driver glanced at me through the rearview mirror. “Yes, you know Turkmenistan?” he asked, surprised. ...
by Tani Prell | Nov 4, 2025 | Holidays, Identity, Jewish Ritual
Image: Jerusalem, 1982: My great-uncle, a Kess Wubeshet Aytegeb, is leading the first official Sigd gathering in Jerusalem. Beside him stand President Yitzhak Navon and Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren. “And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God; and all the...
