TikkunKnitting: justice and dreidels

A new reader, Judy K., recently responded to the knitted content of this site: “I’m interested in possibly putting more Jewish content into my knitting. I’m not even sure what that might mean. It might mean distributing finished products to Jewish organizations or actually knitting Jewish objects, ritual or otherwise. Any thoughts out there?”
Naturally, I [...]

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Vayishlach: wrestling with historical selves

In Parashah Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43), Jacob wrestles with an angel and is renamed Israel (“striven with God”) (Genesis 32:4-33). He is reconciled with his brother Esau, now a powerful chieftain (Genesis 33:1-17). Jacob purchases land and settles in the vicinity of Shechem [modern Nablus]. Jacob’s sons slaughter the men of Shechem in [...]

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Vayetzei: ruses & reminders

Like neural synapses, the occurrence of I-Thou meetings are dependent on sensitivity to the other and whatever conditions are found at the site of the encounter. This is to say that the decision for relation is made within a particular situation at a particular time rather than being a decision for all times and all [...]

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Toldot: re-imagining twins & god’s borders

Anyone who looks at the earth can see that it has been differentially altered – in some places carelessly, in other places with imagination, and in still other places with an excess of imagination; that is, in irresponsible fantasy. […] As we study the human use of the earth, moral issues emerge at every point [...]

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Chayei Sarah: keturah & life beyond boundaries

I’m learning that Torah study does not always take a clear and straight path. Of course one can always walk in others’ footsteps, but I’m looking to avoid the potential ruts created by the tread of centuries of learned feet. This year, I hope to widen somewhat my path to understanding Genesis.
Parshah Chayei [...]

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