Author Archives: Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Two shorts on life (Vayechi) and a page from the Journal of…

Posted on December 25, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

My friends and I. For decades now we meet in each others homes, wherever those are, share food and drink and stories from our days. In good Israeli fashion, the conversation often ends with a deep sigh and a yihye … Continue reading →

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Who’s Plan & A Wonderful Meeting

Posted on December 19, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Last summer I had a fabulous opportunity to meet a very dear friend whom I haven’t seen for more than 20 years. As I waited nervously, I looked around at the people passing by, wondering, ‘is that him’ ‘is that’… … Continue reading →

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Freud’s Parasha (shabbat shalom & sweet dreams)

Posted on December 12, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Is this where Freud and Yung got their ideas from? Joseph is the king of dreams, and I am fascinated by what the people of long ago thought about the subject. Obviously, Joseph, his brothers, father and even Pharaoh who … Continue reading →

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Next Love Story: Jacob & Rachel

Posted on November 28, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

What would a therapist tell Jacob and Rachel? When I look at commentary, I find the first one calling it the greatest love story ever, and the second – worst love story ever. Which way is it? Yes… We know … Continue reading →

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Plaid Friday: life lessons from recent shoe shopping

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

In Oakland, we have Plaid – rather than Black – Friday. But no matter how it’s called, shopping and I have never been great friends. On a list of my top 10 favorite activities, shopping will come in a close … Continue reading →

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Heading out: on the need to journey

Posted on November 20, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Why did Jacob leave his parents’ home for Haran? Of course, we “know”: he had to run away from Esau, his brother, who was going to kill him for stealing his blessing. But then, there are so many places he … Continue reading →

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First Love, part II

Posted on November 7, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Abraham, who first encountered love in the most unexpected circumstances, bequeathed it to his son, Isaac, who in turn shared it with his wife, Rebecca. Thus, the first love between a man and a woman in the Torah was born, … Continue reading →

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ReJewvenate @ Pardes, Summer 2015

Posted on November 2, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

ReJewvenate @ Pardes, Summer 2015 Two letters from our “ReJewvenators” who participated at Pardes Summer Institute this past summer through the ReJewvenate grant.Apply for next year, if you’re over 40, interested in immersive Jewish learning and haven’t had an opportunity … Continue reading →

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First Love

Posted on October 31, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

The Torah reading for this week is packed with famous stories. Abraham and Sarah and their generous hospitality; the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; the birth if Isaac, the expulsion of Yishma’el; the binding of Isaac. And somewhere near the … Continue reading →

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That Too –

Posted on October 24, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

On a bus the other day in Israel. The usual crowd. The usual route. Then someone notices something suspicious. “An Arab!”, he yells out “Get the police!” The dark skinned young man looks around and realizes he’s the one. He … Continue reading →

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