Eitan Cooper, points out in Parshat Re’eh that in order to fulfill our human potential and become the image of an invisible God, to make the Land a blessing rather than a curse for its inhabitants, we need to be visible, to be there and be responsible for each other.
Traveling Tombstones: Professor Doron Bar on Herzl’s Reburial in Israel
Professor Doron Bar, tells how Herzl, originally buried in Vienna, came to be buried in Israel, the country he never lived to see. As we mark this momentous anniversary learn more about the phenomenon of bringing devout Zionists “home” to be reburied.
Parashat Vaetchanan: The Rationale Behind The Commandments
Dr Ari Ackerman, points out the fundamental differences between two types of commandments. On one hand we have commandments with rational explanations, and on the other, we have commandments with unclear, hidden rationales.
Finding Our Way Back in the Month of Av
Dr. Tamar Kadari, Dean of the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies and lecturer for Midrash and Aggadah, tells the story of Yehoshua bar Chananya who asked: “Where is God during times of trouble?”
Parashat Pinchas: Understanding What Leadership Really Means
Eitan Cooper, admires Pinchas’ leadership. Pinchas understood that there are moments when bold zealotry is required, but most of the time leadership demands dialogue and tolerance. How does this relate to the upcoming elections in Israel?
If Donkeys Could Talk: Dr. Shula Laderman on Parashat Balak
Dr. Shula Laderman, discusses the strange story of the talking donkey. Her commentary is accompanied by a painting from the renowned artist Avner Moriah. What happens when a sorcerer, a king and a donkey take center stage?
Was Anything so Wrong in Korach’s Message? Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutsch Explores the Parasha
Rabbi Avi Novis-Deutsch, delves into Korach’s message. What is wrong with saying that everyone is holy? Couldn’t Korach actually be advocating for equality and human rights?
Where Are the Women in Jewish Thought?
Dr. Einat Ramon, talks about the place of women in this important field. Political and spiritual leaders like Ada Fishman Maimon and Yemima Avital brought new perspectives to theological writing.
Stick or Carrot? The Giving of the Torah
When it comes to educating students, teacher often ask which is more persuasive: the carrot or the stick? Was the the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai really frightening or a was it a loving moment?
Forging our Future: Dr. David Frankel on Parashat Bamidbar
Is Parashat Bamidbar a period of rebellion and complaints or is it, as stated in Jeremiah, God and Israel’s honeymoon period? Dr. David Frankel, Senior Lecturer in Bible at The Schechter Institutes, suggests that the parasha and the entire book of Bamidbar (Numbers), with its depictions of the Israelites in the wilderness, teaches us an important lesson. We are not entrapped by our past memory and history. We can forge our destiny by by deciding how we want to see our future.
