Vayetze – Life Outside the Circle
Our sages teach us that the actions of the ancestors are omens for their descendants. We like to attribute many qualities to those developed by our ancestors. The kindness of Abraham, the devotion of...
Monthly Archive: November 2014
Toldot – Of Voice and Hands
The twins are born with Esau having an immediate advantage of both being the first to be born as well as being more developed physically. Jacob, patiently biding his time, eventually secures one of...
Chaye Sarah – A Matter of Life and Death
An article in the Washington Post came to my attention last month with a story that has since seized the attention of many journalists. Brittany Maynard, a 29 year old young woman diagnosed with...
Guest Post – Lot’s Wife
Lot’s Wife (his wife) Graham Hesselberg Vayeira: This week’s portion is alive with family dynamics, marital relationships, parent-child connections and sibling interaction. It is a rattling good account of the beginnings of our heritage....
Vayera – Lot did it first
The story of Lot’s encounter with the two angels in this week’s reading is a curious one. In our minds we tend to perceive Lot as an outsider, related to Abraham but not part...
Paul Seideman essay competition
The Paul Seideman essay competition is a great opportunity for all Year 10 and 11 students in New Zealand to show off their essay writing skills and broaden their understanding of the relevance of...