by RabbiOlivier | Nov 30, 2012 | Torah Reflections
Vayishlach Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 Being Present to Our Fear In the previous Torah portion we read about Jacob’s vision of the ladder that came to him in a dream. At the end of that vision God appears to him to say: “And here I am, with you. I will...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 28, 2012 | Torah Reflections
Tol’dot Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 Why We Need Conflict The twin brothers, Esau and Jacob, wrestled each other since before they were born. At the beginning of this week’s Torah portion we learn that: “Rebekah became pregnant. But the children almost...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 12, 2012 | Adult Learning, Torah Reflections
Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1 – 25:18 When Isaac Met Rebekah This week’s Torah portion opens with Sarah’s death. After Abraham mourns her, he sets out to accomplish his last fatherly duty before he, too, makes his transition: finding a wife for his son...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 12, 2012 | Adult Learning, Torah Reflections
Vayera Genesis 18:1 – 22:24 Beyond Our Need For Justice In his life storyline, Abraham has not always risen to the occasion of his ethical challenges. Yet this aspect of his story his worthy of praise: his standing up to God in the episode of Sodom and Gomorrah....
