Significant Firsts in the Second Round of Plagues: The Meaning of Parshat Bo Amid the Anxiety of ICE Within the narrative arc of The Ten Plagues on Egypt, Exodus 10:1-12 represents several significant firsts for Pharaoh and his court during the eighth punishment, locusts. It is the first time Pharaoh’s inner circle challenges the all-powerful ruler. They ask him, […]
Pillar of Strength When Things Keep Getting Worse: Rosa Parks and the 70th Anniversary of the Montgomery Boy Boycott We gather tonight for Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat after another long and difficult week for our nation. The message of tonight’s speaker, Professor Nikki Brown, promises to bring hope and inspiration after the death this […]
An Ounce of Compassion: The Courage of Pharoah’s Daughter and Call to Action Sometimes an ounce of compassion amid an ocean of cruelty can make all the difference. Take for example this week’s Torah portion. As Exodus begins, the Hebrews have been subjected to slavery and systematic murder of their infant sons when the narrative […]
Happy Hanukkah The festival of lights begins at sundown Sunday. Here at Temple Adath Israel, we have a terrific lineup of events and programs (weather permitting). Vodka Latke, a celebration of food and fun, is tomorrow night at 6. Our annual Hanukkah Carnival, presented by the Social Action Committee, starts Sunday immediately after Religious School. […]
Wrestling: A Poetic Approach Three Writers on Jacob’s Altercation With the Angel For all the poetry lovers out there, this Shabbat is another especially good one for you. After 20 years away from home, Jacob returns but not without confronting his past. All this time, the guilt of deceiving his father and robbing his brother […]
