by Rabbi Gad DishiPosted on November 23, 2016
GAD DISHI
by Rabbi Dov LinzerPosted on November 22, 2016
After the climactic event of the akeida, the Torah turns its attention to more quotidian matters: the death and burial of Sarah and the finding of a wife for Yitzchak. In this shift, a number of the major characters move off the scene. Not only Sarah and Avraham, but God as well. In our parasha, God is neither Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Dov LinzerPosted on November 18, 2016
Why did God test Avraham with the command to offer Yitzchak as a sacrifice? This is really two questions. First, what purpose was the akeidah meant to serve? And second, how could God have commanded such a reprehensible act, implicitly condoning murder, even if the plan was to retract the command all along? Midrash Tanhuma Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Dov LinzerPosted on November 10, 2016
I have recently begun learning Midrash Tanchuma weekly with Rabbi Avi Weiss, and this week, I share some reflections on the two opening passages of Midrash Tanhuma to parashat Lekh Lekha. In the middle of the first passage, the Midrash portrays a classic rabbinic image of Avraham as a devout Jew who kept Continue Reading »
by Michelle Friedman, MDPosted on November 7, 2016
In this week’s portion we come across a striking word usage that occurs only twice in Torah, both times in Bamidbar, the Book of Numbers. The phrase changes slightly, Lama nigara, lama yigara, translated as “Why should we/it be lessened/diminished,” and is found in what appears to be two disparate stories. On closer examination, the Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Dov LinzerPosted on November 2, 2016
God creates a perfect, self-sustaining planet, teaming with life. God places human beings in it and gives them seemingly divine powers: rule over all living things, and the ability to build, create, transform, and take mastery over the entire planet (Breishit 1:28-29). God demands from them only that they accept some limits and understand that Continue Reading »
by Rabbi Shalom CarmyPosted on November 2, 2016
by Rabbi Yitzchak BlauPosted on November 2, 2016
by Dr. Hezi CohenPosted on November 2, 2016
