What’s In a House? (Shemot)
As you may know, I love midrash. Midrash is a type of Jewish text that simultaneously pays close attention to…
Parshat HaShavua
Dinah and Feminist Reading (Vayechi)
Last Sunday, Rabbi Nicki Greninger and I gathered with thirty members of Temple Isaiah and explored some of the theory and tools of feminist reading practices. At the heart of our inquiry was the question: How do we relate to a text written by and for men, in ways that often diminish women’s full humanity?
Prayer and Proximity (D’var Torah Matot-Masei)
As Numbers winds its way to a close, a war breaks out against Midian. According to midrash, Moses drafts 12,000 to fight and 12,000 to pray – in proximity.
Violence: Lessons from Pinchas, Elijah, and Abraham (D’var Torah Pinchas)
Pinchas fails the test of violence. Centuries later, Elijah struggles with violence as well. Centuries earlier, Abraham offers hope of another way.
A Giant Mistake (D’var Torah Korach)
Parshat Korach tells of a band of rebels within the Israelite camp, discontent with their place in the structure and…