Related Blog Posts on Voices of WRJ

Voices of WRJ: Va-eira

Judith Rosenkranz
January 24, 2020

How many times have you heard the story of Passover? How many times have you told the story of Passover? And yet, each time there is something new that is learned, something that was never realized before. And such it was this time for me.

This parashah...

Voices of WRJ: Sh'mot

Connie Kreshtool
January 17, 2020

This week we begin the reading of the book of Exodus with the opening parashah Sh’mot (Names). The Torah: A Women’s Commentary titles this section: “The Birth of a Nation.”  Jacob has died and his family has settled in Egypt under Joseph’s watchful eyes.

WRJ Voices: Va-y'chi

Lillian Burkenheim Silver
January 10, 2020

Often, we are torn between our sisterhood leaders and programs of the past and what we believe is the future of WRJ. As is our practice, we revisit the lessons of Va-y’chi and are struck by the constant tension between the past and the hope for the future. 

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WRJ Voices: Vayigash

Shoshana Dweck
January 3, 2020

Eight years ago our child was called to the Torah as a Bat Mitzvah in Israel. As would become our practice with B’nai Mitzvah services, our child chose a spot a little off the beaten track and was called to the Torah first with the Women of the Wall in...

WRJ Voices: Mikeitz

Carol Newman
December 27, 2019

In this week’s Torah portion, Joseph moves from prisoner to second in command in Egypt. Joseph was falsely imprisoned for claims by his master Potiphar’s wife that he raped her.

WRJ Voices: Vayeishev

Sara B. Charney
December 20, 2019

Journeys, journeys and yet, more journeys! How wonderful for Jacob that he is now settled in the land of Canaan. The opening word of this week’s Torah portion, “Vayeishev,” refers to Jacob settling in the land of his father.

WRJ Voices: Vayishlach

Madeline Anderson
December 13, 2019

Two weeks ago in parshah Toldot, we read the story of Jacob and Esau, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Isaac favored his son Esau the hunter who provided him with delicious meats, and Isaac planned on giving his birthright to Esau when he died.

WRJ Voices: Vayetzei

Linn Ullenbrauck
December 6, 2019

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”  -- Harriet Tubman.

Parashah Vayetzei starts with a dream as Jacob left Beersheba and...

WRJ Voices: Tol'dot

Dr. Madelyn Mishkin Katz
November 29, 2019

Fifty-one years ago this week, I became a bat mitzvah. Fifty-one years ago, I read from the Torah, and the parashah was Tol’dot – the same words that we read this Shabbat.

Being a “saver,” I still have the composition notebook in which my rabbi had me work.