Power Parsha

Chayei Sarah: Inner Strength in a World of Difference

This week, two contrasting images filled my social media feeds: Omer Adam and Boy George celebrating Jewish and Israeli pride in packed arenas, and decisive electoral victories in the US for candidates who ran on largely anti-Israel platforms. At a time when Israel feels increasingly isolated, the strength of character displayed in Parshat Chayei Sarah…

Power Parsha

Vayera: The Abrahamic Covenant & Israel’s Elections

The recent elections raised important questions about who embraces Israel’s social covenant – recognizing Israel as the national homeland of the Jewish people. A similar theme emerges in Parshat Vayera: Who upholds Avraham’s values, expressed through the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests? The parsha opens with Avraham sitting at the entrance of his tent,…

Power Parsha

Lech Lecha: From “Me” to “We”

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I?” – Pirkei Avot 1:14 Avraham is the paradigm of chesed and compassion, of caring for others. For this reason, Rashi’s commentary on the opening words of Parshat Lech Lecha is surprising. Noting the kefel lashon,…

Power Parsha

Noach: Recognizing True Leadership

Parshat Noach introduces the Torah’s first tyrant, whose story and classical commentaries offer moral clarity about the tactics of tyranny, both ancient and modern. Between the stories of the Flood and the Tower of Babel, we encounter a few verses about Nimrod. The biblical account does not initially seem particularly harsh: “He was a mighty…

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About Me

I’m Karen Miller Jackson, a certified Matan Morah l’Halakha, Jewish educator and writer. Welcome to my blog which provides Torah from a woman’s perspective for modern, busy people. To subscribe via email please sign up or by whatsapp here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CKLpCygJaBf20sKbNmRV1u