Rabbi Sacks writes of the cognitive dissonance experienced by Abraham: He trusts in God while at the same time being filled with fear. He keeps his emotions hidden from his son; Vayelchu shenehem yachdav. The dialog between them is sparse. Rabbi Sacks shares the poignancy of their togetherness and compares it to his contemporary element, with the gap between family time vs consumerism, and the gap between Jewish and secular values.
Rabbi Bouskila writes about the qualities of superior leadership: taking risks, showing care, dreaming visions, holding high expectations. Abraham was the first leader with God’s endorsement, the first in 10 generations of humanity. Abraham had no political power but was so influential.
Lizzie Frankel begins with the novel concept of the barrenness of men, rather than women. Avram says to God: “You haven’t given me seed”. What exactly is the meaning behind “seed” and Avram’s need for it?
While Sarai is barren, Hagar is not. When she is sent away, God makes a similar promise to her that He made to Avram. However, she names God as “El Roi” – The One Who Sees, later The One Who Sees Me. This is a very personal approach.
Until now, the Biblical narrative is about archetypal characters, humanity in general. Suddenly the narrative becomes personal, an individual who is the patriarch of one nation. Why did God lose interest in the rest of the world? Actually, taking the entire Tanakh into context, the narrative is about other peoples: Egypt is a great nation, Nineveh is a subject of God’s concern, and so forth.
Cantors Laurie Akers, Rachel Brook, Rachel Goldman
Please follow the link below to read Rabbi Barenblat’s poem on the Flood
Rabbi Sacks takes a historical critical approach this week’s parashah, in particular the Flood and Tower of Babel narratives. The individualist and collectivist cultures are both problematic, whereas the joint approach is what makes a society function well.
The Shvesters, accompanied by Omri Bar Giora on guitar, perform “Eishet Chayil” at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park, NYC, on August 22, 2024.
In the spirit of renewed tradition, here is a new interpretation of Kol Nidrei. It blends the ancient melodic motifs with contemporary harmonies and orchestration, offering a modern reflection of this timeless Jewish prayer.