Parsha Veitzei – Laban the mensch
Laban is the real hero of this parsha, despite getting dissed by the rabbis. When he hears Jacob is near he runs to greet him, hugs and kisses him. Rashi say Laban was checking Jacob’s mouth for...
View ArticleR. Cosgrove on CJLS implications
I’m a big fan of Rabbi Elliott Cosgrove. I think he’s the Conservative movement’s slightly more bookish answer to Brarak Obama, a rising star with a sharp intellect, understanding of the issues, a...
View ArticleKnishmas 06: Harmonicas 4 Hanukah
KFAR’s annual alternative to the xmas alternatives returns with a stellar lineup (if I do say so myself) at the Subterranean in Wicker Park. Shtreiml comes to town with their Blues Traveler-tinged/Jam...
View ArticleOkay, Shifreh needs a favor…
You’re going to have to forgive me fore being MIA lately. I found myself swimming ina sea of deadlines and haven’t quite managed to come up for air just yet. but, don’t you worry, my disappearance is...
View ArticleParsha Vayigash – The Big Flip
Turning tables We begin with Judah pleading that Joseph take him into slavery in the place of his younger brother Benjamin. Joseph is moved. Then like Martin Landau in the old Mission Impossible TV...
View ArticleParsha Beshalach
Shalom, one mo time, from Israel! Israeli-Palestinian Comedy Tour is an off the charts success! Check out the latest here. You can also peruse the video blog. One of the truly grand things about...
View ArticleParsha Tetzeveh
This week both YHWH and Versace are thinking priestly fashion. Moses and YHWH are still huddled within the cloud-topped Mount Sinai. Having spent last week laying out in precise detail, the structure...
View ArticleParsha Vayak’hel-Pekudei
This week’s parsha is a double portion that finishes the book of Exodus (Shemot.) Most of it tells the story Bezalel and Oholiab, the two Hebrews in charge of building the tabernacle (Mishkan.) We read...
View ArticleUnderground X-Orthodox: Chulent
Last September on a trip to NY, it was suggested I stop into a midnight gathering at the shabby, rundown Millinary Shul on 38th and 6th in Midtown. Mindblowing. I was not dissappointed. Jenn Bleyer...
View ArticleParsha Tzav
“Bring out the priests!” Hashem has established herself in her new earthly home. She’s placed her meal orders and now explains when and how her food will be acquired, which involves a bit of...
View ArticleParsha Korach
We’re in Israel for part 2 of the Israeli/Palestinian Comedy Tour! This has been a whirlwind. With show locations ranging from Haifa to Be’er Sheva, including Ra’anana, Tel Aviv, the Ambassador Hotel,...
View ArticleParsha Balak
This is a parsha of contradictions. Balak, king of Moab, fears the Egyptian Hebrews and seeks help from the powerful prophet, Balaam. YHWH goes back and forth as to whether or not Balaam can go to...
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