Park Avenue Synagogue Our Favorite Passover Tunes:
Park Avenue Synagogue Our Favorite Passover Tunes
Michael Walzer: A Pesach Drash
The Exodus narrative has been used in many social or political arenas, sometimes in a negative manner. Michael Walzer writes about how it was used in the Civil Rights Movement, and “misused” during the time of the French Revolution.
Rabbi William Plevan, Ph.D Passover and the Power of Memory
Rabbi Plevan questions the joy of Passover, of celebrating our liberation, at a time of turmoil and ongoing violence. He suggests that we consider what it is that makes a seder a meaningful and spiritual event. He cites Martin Buber, show said that as Jews, our very community is based on common memory, that connections generations. The transference of memory involves both continuity and change
Rabbi William Plevan, Ph.D: Passover and the Power of Memory
Rabbi Plevan questions how we should celebrate an ancient holiday of redemption, while acknowledging pain and suffering in the present time. He cites Martin Buber, who wrote that the handing down of memory from generation to generation involves both continuity and change. Judith Plaskow wrote that memory shapes communal identity as Jews, so that we integrate our own understanding of them into the way we recount them.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Tzav Violence and the Sacred
Why did God choose sacrifice as a means to an end? Rabbi Sacks cites Rabbi Joseph Albo, who raised 2 other questions: Why did God permit human beings to eat meat after the Flood, and what was wrong with Cain’s offering of “fruits of the soil”? Perhaps animal sacrifice was allowed because the world was filled with violence.
Video for The Maccabeats: Les Misérable, A Passover Story
Video for The Maccabeats: Les Misérable, A Passover Story
Rachel Ain: Vayikra Lines of Communication
Rachel Ain asks about whether God has ever called out to one of us, and what transpired in the interaction that was so critical. Vayikra focuses on ritual sacrifices, that were established to enable the people to connect directly with God. Yet, what happens in the aftermath of the destruction of the Second Temple? She cites a midrash, wherein Abraham asks the same question?
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Vayikra Between Destiny and Chance
Rabbi Sacks comments on the apparent disconnect between the traditional name Vayikra, and the subject of the book. He argues that there is a deep connection. In fact, all of God’s communications to Moses begin with a call, keri’ah, unlike Bilaam, to whom God “appeared”.
Rabbi Eliezer B. Diamond, z’l: Vayahel-Pekudei The Give and Take of Strength
Rabbi Diamond writes that rituals of closure, common in both secular and religious settings, relate to the past and to the future, creating a space in which one begins anew. When we finish a book of the Torah, we conclude with a ritual chanting of hazak hazak. This is appropriate for the completion of Shemot, which ends on a high note.
Sam Berrin Shonkoff: Vayakhel Six Days Shall You Work
Sam Shonkoff writes about the phrase bitul Torah – cancellation of Torah; this refers to the time one spends away from study, dealing with chol, or profane (secular) issues. The concept suggests that religious life only occur with the framework of ritual. Yet, spiritual life is actually continuous; what one does during the week is as important as what one does during religious rituals.