Monthly Archives: May 2017

(Some) counting is a sign of love

Posted on May 26, 2017 by

This week we’re starting the Book of Numbers. As is obvious from its (English) name, we will hear a lot of numbers. Each tribe will be counted. And counted again. Why? Who cares if the tribe of Judah had 74,600 … Continue reading →

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Still crazy after all these years…

Posted on May 22, 2017 by

We’re six years old and the school year is almost over. 1st grade: a red backpack on my back, a lunch pack hanging from my neck. A tight pin in my hair. T-shirt. Maybe shorts, or a skirt. “Comfortable” shoes. … Continue reading →

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משונה נחלה זו מכל נחלות שבעולם

Posted on May 19, 2017 by

Lunch time at Yeshivat Maharat. A very pluralistic group of women and men of all ages and Jewish denominations walks into our beit midrash (study). I walk a bit closer and say a very Israeli, “shalom”! They are surprised: “Shalom??” … Continue reading →

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Say What?? Parashat “Emor”

Posted on May 12, 2017 by

In a Torah portion that gives us a list of all the Biblical holidays, and shares more details regarding the holiness of the priestly service, the last story – in Leviticus 24 – seems completely out of place. A man, … Continue reading →

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On the Miracle of Pesach Sheni, Second Chances & My Father’s Yahrzeit

Posted on May 7, 2017 by

Pesach Sheni – literally 2nd Passover – addresses people who missed the 1st Pesach. When it was time to bring the Pascal offering, they were unavailable, either because they were “ritually impure through contact with a dead body, or away … Continue reading →

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A Vignette, a “Full-Moon” & Trees

Posted on May 4, 2017 by

Vignettes: I think I have finally moved to NY… My proof? a phone call with some service (bank? phone? who knows-) who asked for my address: “What city? Can you spell it? State please? Can you spell that?” My patience … Continue reading →

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