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,…

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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…

Power Parsha

Bereshit: Taking Responsibility

Why does the Torah begin with stories of human failings? Parshat Bereshit offers insight into human nature and the foundations of moral responsibility. Adam and Chava are permitted to eat from any tree in the Garden of Eden except the Tree of Knowledge. Yet temptation gets the better of them, and they sin. Worse still,…

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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