Ezekiel’s picturesque and provocative prophecies
Chaverim, The last few weeks, we have studied the book of Ezekiel in our breakfast study every Shabbat. This Shabbat we conclude our studies on Ezekiel and therefore it is…
Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Rabbi Adrian Michael Schell
Proudly Jewish - Proudly Progressive
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei and International Women’s day: Examples of gratitude
Chaverim, The double portion Vayakhel-Pekudei presents Moses’ speech to the Israelite community at one of the many special gatherings during their wanderings in the desert. The speech opens with a…
Ki Tisa: A second chance
Chaverim, This week’s Torah portion interrupts the description of the building of the Tabernacle with a narrative section that includes the story of the Golden Calf, and — although perhaps less…
How can we remember on Shabbat Zachor?
Chaverim, I have always been intrigued by the commandment ‘you shall blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; you shall not forget it’ (Deuteronomy 25:19). Simultaneously we are…
Shabbat Teruma: Make Me a sanctuary
Chaverim, Last week, I shared with you the sad news of the passing of Michael Brookstone, a member of our Introduction to Judaism programme. Many of you met this gentle…
A place of hope and unity
Chaverim, There are a number of Shabbatot throughout the Jewish calendar that have special names. The most familiar of these is probably Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Return, which takes place…
Parashat Yitro: Who am I and who is my neighbour?
Chaverim, The first Mishna in the tractate Rosh Hashana informs us of various ‘new years’. These are times of the year that are considered the beginning of the annual calendar…
Parashat Beshalach: We don’t need miracles
Chaverim, The story of the liberation from Egypt is the cornerstone of Jewish existence. Or is it? Read the Torah portion again, and you will find that what is most…
Parashat Bo: Ask questions and grow
Chaverim, It is a wonderful coincidence that our Torah reading, parshat Bo, the section that deals with the culminating plagues and the exodus, turns three times to the subject of…
Parashat Va’eira: Each person has a name.
Each person has a name. We each have a name given by God and given by our father and mother. We each have a name given by our stature and…