by RabbiOlivier | May 11, 2017 | General
On Friday, May 5, I was among nearly two dozen people who went to the Chase branch on Capitol Hill to pray and express our concern over the bank’s lead role in funding the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Elizabeth Burton of Bet Alef also took part, as did Seattle First...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 30, 2017 | General, Torah Reflections
Va’eira Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 Many Faces of God This week’s Torah portion opens with a compelling affirmation: “God (Elohim) spoke to Moses and said to him: ‘I Am the Eternal (YHVH).’” [Ex. 6:2] I often wonder how people read this opening: “God spoke to...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 20, 2017 | General, Torah Reflections
Sh’mot Exodus 1:1 – 6:1 Beyond Fear and Morality This week we open the Book of Exodus. Jacob and his sons settled in Egypt as Joseph, then Viceroy, invited them to. After that generation dies out we are told, “the Israelites were fertile and prolific; they...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 20, 2017 | General, Torah Reflections
Sh’mot Exodus 1:1 – 6:1 Beyond Fear and Morality This week we open the Book of Exodus. Jacob and his sons settled in Egypt as Joseph, then Viceroy, invited them to. After that generation dies out we are told, “the Israelites were fertile and prolific; they...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 17, 2017 | General, Torah Reflections
Vayechi Genesis 47:28 – 50:26 Conditioned Happiness Last week as I studied the Torah portion, after reading numerous rabbinic commentaries, an image emerged of Jacob’s soul-to soul connection to his son, Benjamin. Upon reading this week’s portion and many more...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 6, 2017 | General, Torah Reflections
Vayigash Genesis 44:18 – 47:27 Accountability & Free Will Chapter 45 is pivotal in the Book of Genesis. Joseph, Jacob’s favored son, who had been second-in-command of Egypt for the past nine years, reveals himself to his brothers after they come to Pharaoh’s...