Recent events in the Jewish world have reminded us that even when we think we are alone, someone may be watching. We may think we have personal space and privacy, but even that belongs to someone else. It is difficult to stomach that what appears to be one of the most intimate and private spaces, the … More »
Although human infertility is a main theme in the book of Genesis, the infertility of the matriarchs is interwoven with the infertility of the land. Just as the women are barren, the land is barren too. Even the first biblical command to be fertile, pru u’rvu, be fruitful and multiply, ends with the phrase, umilu … More »
There are two empty seats next to me on the plane. This makes the plane ride to Israel comfortable, but the nagging discomfort is there too, knowing that fewer people are traveling at this time. I toss and turn between comfort and discomfort, my stomach churning all eleven hours, a back and forth. The waves … More »
Baruch atah HaShem, shelo asani aved. Traditional Jewish liturgy in the morning prayers includes the blessing “Blessed are you Lord, that you have not made me a slave.” It is one among many blessings in the morning prayers that have been worked and reworked to match society’s sensibilities. This blessing is particularly problematic today, because … More »