Posts Tagged ‘People of Israel’
Tikun Israel precedes Tikun Olam
A New-Old Approach At this very moment Am Yisrael finds itself at an intersection of existential proportions. October 7th, 2023 isn’t just any day, it is the day. It is the day when the People of Israel, Global Jewry, came to question their existence, again. How did we get here? Years of political instability and…
Read MoreThere is a time for everything, now is the time to stay alive
There is no doubt that we, here in Israel, need to go through some process of cheshbon nefesh, self-reflection, reconnecting with our principals for humanity and seeing the sanctity of life in all that we do. We can discuss politics, society and the educational system – all of which require serious thought & consideration. My…
Read MoreSeeds of diplomacy: The Children of Israel then and now
This week’s Torah portion, the beginning of the book of Exodus (Shmot – שמות) describes the realities in Egypt as the Israelites multiply and their presence becomes of national interest, or rather disinterest. In it there is a verse that spells the beginning of the end: ויקם מלך חדש על מצרים אשר לא ידע את…
Read MoreIsrael, part III – what’s it gonna be?
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! As if we haven’t been around this block before. Remember destruction and forced exile? Remember the rivers of Babylon? I do and I ain’t goin back. Unfortunately it’s not up to me alone; I need all of you to get along too.
Read MoreJewish Memory and Revelations
Living a Jewish life means living within a particular framework of rituals and experience, values and memories (i.e. we were slaves in Egypt) and guidelines (Jewish Law). Passover, a microcosm of Jewish life, requires a set of guidelines in preparation of the festival including the cleaning of “Hametz”, dietary constraints and of course the ‘Seder’…
Read Moreגילוי דרך עשייה
לחיות חיים יהודים זה לחיות בתוך מסגרת מסוימת של טקסים, ניסיון, ערכים, זיכרונות (כ”עבדים היינו במצרים”) והנחיות (דרך החיים או הלכה). פסח, מיקרוקוסמוס של חיים יהודיים, המחייב סדרה של הנחיות לקראת החג שכולל ניקוי חמץ, הגבלות תזונתיות וכמובן את ה’סדר’ שמלווה על ידי ההגדה.
Read MoreI am for my beloved & my beloved is for me – אני לדודי ודודי לי
There’s a lot riding on this month of Elul as we journey to the Days of Awe; a period of healing, time to reflect on our lives and our relationships – with the expectation that we can return to a clean slate.
Read MoreA Case of Mistaken Identity II
Not quite. It turns out that many Jews regardless of their citizenship identify with the People of Israel/Jewish Peoplehood. For some the relationship is prompted by threats against Jews and the state of Israel generating a tremendous amount of talk-back and interest. The recent attack on Israeli tourists in Burgas, Bulgaria, the rise of anti-Semitism…
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