Akiva Kra

1 week ago | jewishpress.com | Akiva Kra

According to Merriam-Webster, to schlep means to haul or carry something heavy or awkward, or to endure a tedious, difficult journey. In classic Jewish fashion, the word captures both the physical burden and the emotional groan that comes with it. Some schleps are just plain annoying. Like the 30-minute walk with a group to a friend’s house, only to find no one home. Or schlepping five bags of groceries in the rain because your driver bailed. Brutal. But not all schleps are created equal.

Feb 26, 2025 | jewishpress.com | Akiva Kra

Silver has deep connections to Jews. It is more than being able to find silver kiddush cups, menorahs, and havdala sets in many Jewish homes – or from being able to find many Jews in Silver Spring. It’s also more than Jews having last names like Silver, Silverman, Silverstein, and Zilber. Silver coins are used for a pidyon haben (redeeming the firstborn) and Bnei Yisrael was counted with the Machatzis HaShekel.

Nov 13, 2024 | jewishpress.com | Akiva Kra

Is it oranges, tangerines, or clementines? Do we want naval oranges or Mandarin ones? Nobody really knows except that some are big and some are small. I wish I could write an easy, 150-word guide on how to peel an orange; A step-by-step process of how to get the first part of the peel off, how to peel any of it without squirting the juice everywhere and getting sticky hands, and explaining how to avoid so many of the other unaddressed challenges in this underappreciated task.

Sep 4, 2024 | jewishpress.com | Akiva Kra

The Chumash tells us of three times where shira is used. The first is after Bnei Yisrael went through the split sea and sang to thank Hashem. The second was Shiras Ha’Be’ar, where everyone sang to celebrate getting water and avoiding dehydration in the desert. These two songs were spontaneous thanks to Hashem and expressions of great joy. The third, Parshas Ha’azinu, was sung by Moshe to Bnei Yisrael to strengthen his parting message to them.

May 22, 2024 | jewishpress.com | Akiva Kra

Rabbi Akiva is one of the most renowned and acclaimed rabbis in our history. His journey to Judaism and the perspectives he shared throughout his life continue to enlighten us today. Originally a humble shepherd, Rabbi Akiva had a moment of inspiration at the age of 40, in witnessing water hitting a rock. He joined a class of children and started learning with them, beginning his life of tremendous highs and lows. Of the most impressive things was losing 24,000 students and not giving up hope.