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...
Chanukah After Bondi Beach At a time when we are still stunned by the terrible events at Bondi Beach, we need to remind ourselves, more than ever, of the core message of Chanukah. Chanukah is not simply a time for parties, gifting presents, or eating doughnuts. It is not a Jewish substitute for the immeasurably...
HEALING, HUMILITY, AND THE LIMITS OF HUMAN POWER This week the world watched an extraordinary story unfold. Alyssa, a young teenager with an aggressive and previously incurable form of blood cancer, has entered full remission thanks to a pioneering form of gene therapy. Doctors described her recovery as “remarkable,” even “miraculous.” Alyssa’s treatment began in...
RAGE BAIT Oxford University Press has named “rage bait” as the word of the year. It refers to online content deliberately crafted to provoke anger in order to drive engagement. Outrage becomes a tool – not for healing conflict, but for inflaming it. Surprisingly, the Midrash uses language that sounds similar when describing Jacob at...
The Power of Song, The Power of Faith St John’s Wood shul was full to capacity on two extraordinary evenings this week. On Sunday night, more than 1,200 people came together to enjoy the music of the Israeli singer Ishay Ribo. His songs, infused with deep faith and rousing joy, seemed to touch every heart...
