Torah
In a divided present or in ancient Egypt — what is the cost of freedom?
The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek. Bo Exodus 10:1-13:16 The Rabbi of Chelm rubbed his eyes and tried to look away…
Mixed & Matched
Circumcision is still a volatile topic. Can the divide be bridged?
Dear Dawn: I came across your response to a Jewish mother who was upset that her daughter didn’t want to circumcise her son. Your response angers me. It…
Astrolojew
Month of Shevat: Old gives way to new
Shevat Jan. 27-Feb. 24 The sign of the month of Shevat is Aquarius, the sign of the Jewish people, according to Ibn Ezra and others. Shabbtai (Saturn),…
Torah
Moses was full of doubt. God trusted him anyway.
The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek. Vaera Exodus 6:2–9:35 In last week’s Torah portion, Shemot, God appears to…
Jew in the Pew
Is it permitted to punch a Nazi? Consult the internet Talmud.
In the midst of President Donald Trump’s inauguration three years ago, well-groomed white supremacist spokesman and coiner of the term “alt-right” Richard…
Torah
Finding the balance between righteousness and self-righteousness
The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek. Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1 I have long been fascinated by the story of the biblical…
Philanthropy
The Kitchen lands three-year grant to expand musical outreach
The New York-based Covenant Foundation has awarded The Kitchen a $150,000 Signature Grant award, which will be used to expand the San Francisco…
Books
Jewish Book Council awards recognize Cal prof Robert Alter
The Jewish Book Council announced the winners of the 2019 National Jewish Book Awards on Wednesday. UC Berkeley professor Robert Alter received a Lifetime…
Torah
A name that exhorts us not to forget, not to disengage
The Torah column is supported by a generous donation from Eve Gordon-Ramek. Vayechi Genesis 47:28–50:26 As the days of Jacob’s life draw to a close, so,…