Author Archives: Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

The Hidden Middle of the Torah and Pesach as a love Song

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Vignette: The most commonly heard words in Riverdale this week before Pesach: “We’re going to Israel!” And my most used word? “OMG!!” because after all the snow and ice, I saw a flower, and that means, there is hope. On … Continue reading →

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Vayikrah – Calling Us to Draw Near

Posted on March 31, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Vignettes: A miracle happened: the sun peaked out for a couple of lovely hours, and soft pinkish-green buds appeared cautiously on a few of the stick-like branches. That’s’ all. I’m happy. There’s hope. Vayikrah – calling us to draw near: … Continue reading →

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Building a Home and more

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Vignettes: First day of spring in NY: The used-to-be white remnants of last week’s big storm are still lingering around. In spite of the sun, there are still forgotten patches of snow, and piles of unidentified color ice. I smile. … Continue reading →

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Snow Storm, Post Purim & Light through Broken Things

Posted on March 17, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Vignettes: I’m walking up and down the streets, hunting for a parking spot. The sun is shining on what would be a gorgeous day if it wasn’t below freezing and windy. Suddenly, I see a gentleman shoveling snow around his … Continue reading →

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Olive Oil for Purim?

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

We head out for a quick tiyul (trip) to the Galil. In Israel, spring is springing all around and the hills, to paraphrase John Muir, are calling. Climbing up less traveled, steep roads to gorgeous views among beautiful wildflowers and shades … Continue reading →

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Building a Mishkan, here and now

Posted on March 3, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

“It’s especially poignant that we are here today, as this week’s Torah portion talks about the spirit of voluntarism, when it describes our People getting together to build the mishkan”. I’m at an outdoor amphitheater on a breezy Thursday evening … Continue reading →

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Carrying the Torah’s Progressive Spirit into the Future

Posted on February 24, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Shabbat Shkalim – the Shabbat before Rosh Hodesh Adar, a month which is welcomed with “mishenichnas Adar, marbim besimcha” – משנכנס אדר, מרבין בשמחה – when this month enters, we increase our joy. We read an extra short section about … Continue reading →

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On Seeing Voices

Posted on February 16, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Vignettes: The snow storms have covered up cars, sidewalks, lawns, bushes, rocks and garbage bags in strange formations, but here and there, colorful spots appear on the white carpet. A creative art project and / or anthropological survey can be … Continue reading →

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On Trees, Water and Trust

Posted on February 10, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Due to my Ashkenazi heritage, I have nothing to eat on Pesach and am inundated with all sorts of “chumrot” (strictures), but I am thankful for a beautiful tradition– the celebration of Tu Bishvat. It’s a bit ironic to write … Continue reading →

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These & These are my Brothers

Posted on February 3, 2017 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Vignettes: Not long ago, I would watch “House of Cards” and wonder if I’m in the middle of a news report. Now I watch the news and can only hope I am in the middle of a crazy Netflix show … Continue reading →

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