A new read of Exodus

One of the most powerful classes I have ever experienced was Monday in Jerusalem.  Our teacher Micah Goodman presented a new way to think about the themes, archetypes and origins of the story of the Exodus.  He focused on what we learn from the way Egypt dealt with foreigners and the way Midian dealt with…Read more »

#Egyptian plague

Egypt is in turmoil.  The scenes of the protesters, tanks and fighter jets in the modern/ancient city are amazing.  Imagine if we had CNN and Sky News coverage of the the Boston Tea Party or the Reading of the Declaration of Independence.  You are witnessing the people challenge the regime that has kept Egypt in…Read more »

Mourning a great hero

More hatred.  It is everywhere.  This Shabbat I am mourning the death of David Kato. He was a Ugandan human rights activist who worked to ensure the right of gay and lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in his country.  Uganda has been a difficult place for sexual minorities. In particular Christian fundamentalist groups from the…Read more »

Israel bound

Today I am off to study at my winter Rabbinic Session at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.  As some of you know I am a part of the three year Rabbinic Leadership Initiative of  the Hartman Institute.  There are 30 rabbis of all denominations from North America who are engaged in intensive Jewish learning for the…Read more »