Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Judaism from A to Z—”Diaspora” Diaspora identifies any place outside of the land of Israel where Jews live. The term derived from the Greek διασπείρω diaspeiro (“scatter”). The first diaspora began with the biblical exile to Babylon in the sixth century BCE.…
One of the most important prayers in Judaism and one of the very few that the Bible commands us to recite, is never recited during synagogue services. That prayer is the birkat ha-mazon, grace after meal. In Deuteronomy 8:10 we are commanded…
Judaism from A to Z—”Afterlife” The afterlife (Olam haBa) is rarely discussed in Jewish life, be it among Reform, Conservative, or Orthodox Jews. This is in marked contrast to the religious traditions of the people among whom the Jews have…
This is one of the more profound theological questions. To be able to name something or someone is to have a specific relationship to it or them, even a form of control. One can call out not just “Hey, You!”…
At the beginning of 2011, while protests were happening in Egypt against the regime of Hosni Mubarak, a joke did the rounds, which claimed that the Jews had warned the Egyptians that they would refuse to rebuild the pyramids if…
Desmond Sweke’s Farewell Address and Presentation to Rabbi and Ruth Avidan Shabbat Vayechi 11 January 2020 On this very special occasion, it is a great honour to share the bimah with Rabbi Hillel Avidan and Ruth. Ashley and I have…
The Torah portion Va’yechi is the concluding parasha of the first book of Torah, B’reishit. It ends the narrative of the founding mothers and fathers of our folk and faith, and also concludes the complex and compelling story of Joseph.…
Celebrate Chanukah with us on Friday 27 December with a festive service. Bring your own Chanukiah to the service and 7 candles to join in lighting the Chanukah lights. Chanukah Oy Chanukah (23. – 30. December 2019) Chanukah begins this year…
This week’s Torah portion, Vayetzei, describes the first part of the journey of the biblical Jacob. Fleeing the wrath of his brother, whose birthright he purchased and whose blessing he stole, Jacob is “heading for the exits (Vayetzei).” As the now iconic…
Our parasha reports how Isaac was tricked by Jacob, taking advantage of his father‘s blindness, into giving him the blessing of the firstborn. But was Isaac really blind? Was he really not able to notice that it was Jacob and…