Author Archives: Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

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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Noah, his wife and some

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Noah’s wife. Perhaps the most unsung hero of the Bible. “Hi Honey, how’s your day? I just got great news! you and me with our three lovely children and daughters in law, are going on a dream cruise! I’m just … Continue reading →

Posted in life and some, shabbat shalom, פרשת השבוע לחילוני האדוק | 2 Comments

Few Thoughts for Rosh Hashana

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

I spend Shabbat rummaging through a box of old letters from the mid-late 1980’s to mid 1990’s, real letters, thin paper, bluish aerograms, (a word that Microsoft Word doesn’t even know), glorious postcards from around the globe, colorful cards, beautiful … Continue reading →

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Alef and new beginnings

Posted on August 29, 2015 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

The first graders end the first week of school with a circle of the floor. I ask them to think of something they are thankful for, before leaving for Shabbat. Some are thankful or P.S., some for math. Some are thankful … Continue reading →

Posted in life and some, shabbat shalom, פרשת השבוע לחילוני האדוק | 2 Comments