REMEMBERING ST. JOHN’S WOOD Many nations have attacked the Jewish people throughout history, but only one is commanded to be remembered as a permanent archetype of evil. The special Maftir for this Shabbat recalls Amalek – not merely as another historical enemy, but as a symbol of something far deeper. His attack was not only...
WHO BEARS THE WITNESS? Earlier this month, Harry Olmer died at the age of 98. He was a survivor of the unimaginable brutality of the Nazi death camps, and dedicated decades of his life to Holocaust education. With his passing, we have lost another of the few remaining eyewitnesses to the evil that was perpetrated....
MOSES, THE FIRST ENVIRONMENTALIST? The drama begins. Pharaoh and the Egyptians are smitten by plagues: blood, frogs, lice, pestilence, boils, and the rest. But Pharaoh’s heart is “hard” or stubborn, and he doesn’t let the Israelites go. Moses famously did not initiate the first three plagues – the blood, the frogs, and the lice. Instead,...
ACTS OF COURAGE Ahmed al-Ahmed, the Muslim hero of Bondi Beach whose quick and courageous action helped prevent a far greater tragedy, continues his recovery. Last Sunday, he was given a hero’s welcome at the Ashes Test – though it did little to improve England’s fortunes – and on Tuesday he visited the grave of...
FAMILY REUNION Much of the country has been gearing up for annual festive season celebrations. Media outlets discuss menus and the tricky dynamics of family members and friends who have not been together for some time. Family dynamics of a different kind emerge in this week’s parasha. When Joseph has revealed his identity to his...
