The Flood and Creation

The Flood and Creation

Oct 16, 2004 By Ismar Schorsch | Commentary | Noah

Midrashim often draw big ideas from the smallest of linguistic anomalies.

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An Exegetical and Archaeological Experience

An Exegetical and Archaeological Experience

Aug 19, 2006 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Re'eh

This past June, our family journeyed to Israel — to reenergize our spiritual selves, to reconnect with the land and people of Israel, and to introduce our daughter to friends and family.

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Our Choice in the Shema

Our Choice in the Shema

Aug 12, 2006 By David-Seth Kirshner | Commentary | Eikev

This week’s Parashat Eikev is about hearing and listening.

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The Seven Qualities of Leadership

The Seven Qualities of Leadership

Jul 29, 2006 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Devarim

Leadership is the cornerstone of who we are as Jewish people.

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“My Heart Is in the East”

“My Heart Is in the East”

Jul 22, 2006 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Masei | Mattot

The stirring words of the medieval poet of Zion, Yehudah HaLevi, echo through each and every generation: “My heart is in the East, and I am in the far reaches of the West.”

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Exposing Narrative Fissures

Exposing Narrative Fissures

Jul 15, 2006 By Marc Wolf | Commentary | Pinehas

As a guest columnist for the New York Times this past Friday, Judith Warner shared that her nine–year–old daughter “was terrified of narrative tension — cliffhanger pauses, unanswered questions, any sense of foreboding or even strong anticipation.”

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Hearing God’s Voice

Hearing God’s Voice

Jul 8, 2006 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Hukkat

We communicate with each other and with God through our voices.

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What Makes Us Holy?

What Makes Us Holy?

Jul 1, 2006 By Charles Savenor | Commentary | Korah

Remembered mainly as the power–hungry rebel swallowed by the earth for challenging Moses and Aaron’s authority, Korah is also depicted by the Midrash as a wealthy and successful former minister in Pharaoh’s court and the patriarch of his Levitical family clan.

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