Lizzie Frankel: Lech Lecha I Walk Barren
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?
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Lech Lecha
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.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Lech Lecha The Power of Example
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.
Musical Treats: Community Cantor’s Concert with Shul Sisters
Cantors Laurie Akers, Rachel Brook, Rachel Goldman
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Noach
Please follow the link below to read Rabbi Barenblat’s poem on the Flood
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Noach Individual and Collective Responsibility
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 Eishet Chayil
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.
Cantor Azi Schwartz Kol Nidrei: Ancient Melody, Modern Sound
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.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Acharei Mot Thinking Fast and Slow
Rabbi Sacks writes about challenges in understanding the instructions regarding the scapegoat; in particular, 2 similar goats but with different treatments decided by a throw of the dice. Traditionally, the interpretation relates to atonement and purification, but doesn’t address the lots or the similarity of the coast.
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Roots
In her blog, Rabbi Barenblat muses about the ancient agrarian traditions that resulted in the rituals with the etrog and the 4 species, whether they relate to parts of the body, or the agricultural prayer for rain.