One of the highlights of this week’s parasha, Chayeh Sarah, is Abraham’s considered effort to find a proper wife for his beloved son, Isaac, from among the daughters of his birthplace. … more

Were the forefathers Jewish? Leaving aside the anachronistic usage of the term “Jew,” there are those who argue that while the forefathers were monotheists, calling them … more

This coming Shabbat, Parashat Chayei Sarah, has in recent years assumed the added appellation, Shabbat Hebron, taken from the opening chapter in Genesis 23, detailing the purchase of what we today … more

Donald Trump is now America’s master.  As improbable as that outcome might seem to metropolitan Americans, it is actually quite consistent with the pattern of politics during the last … more

Famously, last week’s Torah portion, Lech Lecha (ranslated “Go To Yourself”) speaks of journeys. Specifically, Abraham’s journey. He was called upon by G-d, and he … more

I remember that ride, passing Agam Karun (Karun reservoir) and then the road below the Beaufort fortress, imagining what that would have been like if the PLO still controlled that high ground. … more

Last time I wrote about our kids’ pets, it was about Abbey, the cat belonging to Jerry’s daughter, Elana, and Murphy, the dog belonging to my daughter and son-in-law, Jordana and Dan. … more

When we consider the story of the binding of Yitzchak, one of the characters, who played a significant role until this tale is conspicuously missing from the narrative. That person, of course, is … more

There are two times in Sefer Bereishit when we encounter the phrase, “Va’ye’he acharei hadevarim ha’aleh” (“And it came to pass after these matters”), toward … more

With Thanksgiving Day to be observed next week I would like to bring to your attention the Jewish liturgical roots of that holiday’s theme and purpose. The theological basis for the act of … more