Rosh Hashanah Torah Readings
Both of the Torah readings for Rosh Hashanah are taken from Parsha Vayera. The first day reading tracks the birth of Isaac, the exile of Hagar and the subsequent saving of Ishmael. The Akedah or Binding of Isaac is read on the second day.
Rosh Hashanah Torah Reading
The Torah’s Stories…And Our Own (Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz) Reflecting on the very human experiences of our ancestors provide insight into our challenges and hopes.
Life is Good (Chancellor Emeritus Arnold Eisen)
On Judaism and Islam (Chancellor Emeritus Arnold Eisen): “The close kinship of the two faiths and the intertwining of their destinies are fixed at the very moment that the people Israel comes into existence and enters into covenant with God.”
Women of Faith (Rabbi Amy Kalmanofsky): “The women of Parashat Vayera remind us of a faith that does not demand human sacrifice or death but recognizes the needs and demands of the flesh, and serves life above all.”
Rosh Hashanah Reading – First Day
Hagar’s Tears and Our Own (Rabbi Ayelet Cohen): Finding connection instead of despair through the story of Hagar
Running Far, Drawing Near (Rabbi Naomi Kalish): Hagar’s response to crisis
A Hand to Hold (Rabbi Joel Alter): Sustaining Hagar through Ishmael’s blessing
Rosh Hashanah Reading – Second Day
Itzik’s Journey (Dr. David Roskies): Reflecting on the Akedah through Yiddish Poet Itzik Manger
What Did Abraham Actually Know? (Rabbi Tim Bernard): Kant’s thoughts on the validity of Abraham’s actions
Ultimate Values and the Akedah Story (Rabbi Leonard Sharzer): The roles the biblical characters played in the binding of Isaac
Short Videos
Vayera: Hagar, Vision and the Climate Crisis
Rabbi Maor Greene (RS ’22)
Vayera: The Akedah-Compassion and Judgement
Rabbi Blair Nosanwisch (RS ’21)
Webinars
The Sacrifices of Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac
On the Torah Readings for Rosh Hashana
with Dr. Aaron Koller
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