Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks: Inspired by Faith, We Can Change the World
Rabbi cites the Prophet Zechariah: ‘“Not by might nor by strength, but by My Spirit” says the Lord,’ in describing the remarkable achievement of the Maccabees.
Rabbi Arthur O. Waskow: Hanukkah and the Winter Solstice
It is possible that the Syrian Greeks chose the latter part of Kislev, the 25th of Kislev, in fact, to desecrate the Temple by making their own sacrifices because it was the time of the winter solstice and the waning of the moon.
Rabbi Adam Ruditsky Parashah Vayishlach
When we do yeshivah on Yom Kippur, there is a duality: the relationship between a person and God, and the relationship between two individuals. Jacob has struggled in the past with his connection to God. Now he struggles with the connection to his brother.
Rabbi Stacy Rigler: Faith and Belief
Rabbi Rigler asks the question: what does “religious” look like?” Parashat Mikeitz relies on the faith of multiple characters, reminding us of the importance of our inner voice. Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams with complete confidence in his own abilities.
The Velveteen Rabbi: Chanukah Light in a Small Town
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat writes about representation in a small town where various crises occurred and how the people resolved the situations. Please follow the link below to read her beautiful article. Please continue to read her Drash on the New Tamid.
Rabbi Yisroel Ciner and Torah.org: Not Just One in a Crowd
During the week+1 of Chanukkah, we read through the parashah of Naso, which addresses the induction of the Tabernacle. In this Orthodox perspective of the parashah, Rabbi Miner makes the point that every single person matters.
Rabbi Cantor Eva Robbins: Why Would Zelensky Not Mention Hanukkah in his Address to Congress
Rabbi Cantor Robbins describes the spiritual depth of Tu B’Shevat, from the linguistic perspective of “15”, the Name of God, and the concept of the Tree of Life.
Tess Kelly: The Hidden History of Hanukkah
Hanukkah is one of the only Bible stories that is supported by actual historical evidence and history, unlike stories, can be ambiguous about right and wrong. Historically, the Maccabees fought not only the Romans but also their own people—those who chose assimilation. The story is thus one of anti-assimilation as well as of religious freedom.
Rachel Adelman: Dinah
The story of Dinah contains gaps and ambiguities, which feed confusion over her silence, and the divide between Jacob and her brothers. The text suggests that the outcome of the event could have been different if not for the vengeance taken by Simeon and Levi.
Karen Lee Erlichman: Keepers of the Dreams
Karen Erlichman ties the concept of being an outsider in parashat Vayeishv to the ongoing reality of the LGBTQ community. Joseph was hated and ostracized by his brothers, and ultimately exiled to Egypt. She draws an interesting comparison between the parashah and contemporary realities.