By Rabbi Minna Bromberg Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah We are coming to the end of the Jewish calendar’s long season of introspection, accountability, celebration, and many many prayers for rain, for renewal, and for redemption. With Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur behind us, and our sukkot perhaps not holding themselves up so well, every lulav is by now, we hope, very thoroughly shaken. Many of us have had lots of time with family, with community, and with our own best and... Read more
The Gift of Darkness
By Heather Renetzky Parashat Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52) In his final reminder to the Israelites about their covenant with God, Moshe, embodying the voice of God, says the following: See, then, that I, I am the One; There is no god beside Me. I deal death and give life; I wounded and I will heal: None can deliver from My hand. How does Moshe have so much trust, confidence, and acceptance of God that he can face the people and affirm God’s... Read more