Kenneth Pargament is a professor emeritus of psychology at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. His research addressed religious beliefs in various traditions and health. He also researched how the elderly who struggle with their religious beliefs and hold negative perceptions about their relationships with God and life meaning have an increased risk of […]

Aaron Gross is an associate professor of theology and religious studies at the University of San Diego and author of The Question of the Animal and Religion: Theoretical Stakes, Practical Implications (2014). He can discuss Jewish values with regard to animals and the Torah’s proscription, called tzaar baalei hayim, against inflicting pain on any creature. […]

Rabbi Steven Kushner has chaired the kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) task force for the Central Conference of American Rabbis. He is the rabbi at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield, N.J.

Rabbi Simkha Weintraub is a social worker and director of the National Center for Jewish Healing in New York, N.Y. He co-edited a publication by the center titled Guide Me Along the Way: A Jewish Spiritual Companion for Surgery. He is also the editor of Healing of Soul, Healing of Body: Spiritual Leaders Unfold the Strength and Solace in […]

Read a Dec. 29, 2006, article in the Jewish Forward about drumming in Jewish congregations.

The Temple of Universal Judaism, Congregation Daat Elohim in New York, N.Y., uses drums in worship.

Mitziut Jewish Community in East Rogers Park, Ill., has incorporated drum circles in its worship. Contact Rabbi Menachem Cohen.

Richard Foltin is director of national and legislative affairs for the American Jewish Committee’s Office of Government and International Affairs in Washington, D.C.