Monthly Archives: January 2021

“Now when Pharaoh let the people go”… so begins this week’s Torah portion, and one wonders: wait, wasn’t it G-d who let the people go? how come, after the Ten Plagues and all the miracles, all of a sudden Pharaoh … Continue reading →

I don’t like to get into politics. My views are mixed. I find myself agreeing with opposite leaders, conflicting ideas. I generally think we have to problem-solve challenges with what’s needed and right for them, right then and there, instead … Continue reading →

My aunt of blessed memory used to collect frogs; I mean, not live ones, although they did have a small pond in their backyard with which I, the “city girl” (if you can call Haifa a “city”) in love with … Continue reading →

P’sachim 2:a – Ohr LeArba’a Asar: What is this light we’re talking about? and what are we talking about? The surprising opening of Tractate P’sachim עברית & English, Dec 2, 2020 – At the Galilee, picking olives, right before Hanukkah … Continue reading →

Usually we read the Torah linearly: one story after another, one Torah portion after another. But, it’s possible to read it as a spiral. This way, we suddenly notice repeated themes that come up in various places, expanding and shedding … Continue reading →

Just before his death, Jacob calls his sons and blesses them. We know how important his father’s blessing was to him when he was young; so much so, that he – and his mom – made sure he gets it … Continue reading →