Category Archives: life and some

Joseph & Judah: The dramatic meeting of long ago as a contemporary encounter

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Imagine yourself before a critical committee for a job interview, perhaps going up to the bima for your Bar Mitzvah speech, or waiting for a contest to begin. Everything hinges on this one moment! Everybody is staring at you! You … Continue reading →

Posted in life and some, shabbat shalom, פרשת השבוע לחילוני האדוק | Leave a comment

The Emotional Torah

Posted on November 7, 2013 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

With all the “firsts” that are introduced in Genesis (read much more in Meir Shalev’s beautiful book), crying is definitely one worth looking into. Abraham cried for Sarah, Joseph will cry with his siblings, the two brothers, Esau and Jacob, … Continue reading →

Posted in life and some, shabbat shalom, פרשת השבוע לחילוני האדוק | 1 Comment

Yes Dear: An Intervention in Abraham and Sarah’s Tent

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Jane: Honey, what is that wooden sled still doing here? Jakie almost broke his head tripping over it when we walked into the garage! You know how much I hate it. I told you to throw it away!! Joe: Honey, … Continue reading →

Posted in life and some, shabbat shalom, פרשת השבוע לחילוני האדוק | Leave a comment

Three (still somewhat disconnected) Thoughts, Last Shabbat 5773

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

Not many people fill the seats at Grand Lake Theater for the Friday matinee of Fruitvale Station, but by the time the film was over, there is not a dry eye in the audience. I thought it was only me, … Continue reading →

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40 Plus and Screwed – or – More on less Young Adult Engagement

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

You might ascribe the following comments to my advanced age, shifting moods, raging hormones. I admit. I am not a “young adult” by any current official definition of the term. At the same time, 4 of my 6 children are … Continue reading →

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שני קוריאנים אוחזין… Reading Talmud in Korea

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

In South Korea there are close to 49 million residents, and they all learn Gemara in the schools (www.ynet.co.il(, March 24, 2011). “We tried to understand why the Jews are such geniuses and we concluded that (it’s because) they study … Continue reading →

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Making a (West) Point

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Michal Kohane מיכל כהנא

You don’t mind me applying to West Point Military Academy, Mom, do you?” “West Point?” I thought, surprised. But it was fall. Graduation seemed like light years away. “Go ahead,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Let me know if … Continue reading →

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