When I started reading the Torah portion Va-y’chi I wasn’t struck so much by the scene of Jacob’s deathbed with all of his sons gathered around receiving blessing. That sounds like an appropriate scene for one of the patriarchs. It’s fairly apparent that these weren’t blessings but predictions of the future. And Jacob (Israel) didn’t […]
Vayigash – a Lesson in Choices
The Torah portion Vayigash continues the story of Joseph and his family. In this parsha, Joseph plants a cup in Benjamin’s bag then accuses him of stealing. While much could discussed around this actions, my focus this time is on the the choice put before their brother Judah. Choices Judah has a choice to make. […]
G-d Does Not Belong in Your Election Commentary
The morning after Roy Moore was defeated by Doug Jones in the Alabama special senatorial election, Rabbi David Evan Markus heard the commentary from both left and right and was disturbed. He explains his angst in an article published in The Forward called God does Not Belong in Your Election Commentary. Rabbi Markus’ article builds […]
Vayeishev – Man Plans and G-d Laughs
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men Robert Burns writes eloquently in his poem “To a Mouse” that “The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew, and leave us nothing but grief and pain, for promised joy!” To an extent this poem is an analog to the Torah portion Vayeishev, which […]
Lighting Talks Demand Lightning Sketchnotes
Lightning Talks Lightning talks are are very short presentations given one after another. The good thing about this format for presenters is that it enables them to practice their presentation skills in a safe place. The audience gets a the benefit of a smorgasbord of information on varying topics ScrumRVA Lightning Talk Meet-up On November […]