Religion

The true test of one’s faith lies in day-to-day living

Mar 08, 2018 Go comment!

We read in the parsha of Pekudei, with reference to the completion of the Tabernacle, that “Moshe (Moses) saw all the work and behold they had done it; as Hashem had commanded so had they done; and Moshe blessed them” (Shmot 39:43).
Full story
The half shekel of service delivery

Mar 01, 2018 Go comment!

Service delivery is a sacred obligation in our religion. You could say that it is illustrated in the mitzvah of giving the yearly half shekel. This obligation devolves on every Jewish family and has been loyally adhered to for well over 3 000 years by rich and poor alike.
Full story
A tale of two presidents – lessons in (our) leadership

Mar 01, 2018 Go comment!

“Thank you for the blessing – it worked!” With his trademark beaming smile our newly inaugurated President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked me outside Parliament following the #SONAReply last week. His gratitude was for the blessing I was privileged to give him just a few days earlier, at the #Mandela100 rally prior to his election.
Full story
Our Purim moment lies in Jewish education

Mar 01, 2018 Go comment!

I was sitting at breakfast with a friend whose daughter is enrolled at one of our Jewish schools. He related the following story to me: A week or so ago, a Jewish Studies teacher (whose identity is not known to me) was teaching the class about Purim. During the lesson, the teacher turned to the pupils and asked a stunningly honest question: “Be honest with me: am I boring you?” My friend’s daughter, who has no doubt inherited her parents’ authenticity and confidence, replied: “To be honest, you are. We have learned Purim for the past 10 years – there’s nothing new here!”
Full story
Politics, power and personhood in the Story of Purim

Mar 01, 2018 Go comment!

These past few months in South Africa have felt extreme. We have had waves of hope, interspersed by disappointments, as we’ve seen a corrupt and selfish leader be replaced by someone upon whom so much hope is pinned.
Full story
Heaven and earth – two worlds or one?

Feb 22, 2018 Go comment!

On the second day of creation, G-d separated heaven and earth. This was something so uncharacteristic of Him, because in His world the focus is on unity and harmony rather than on separation and division. In fact, it is for this reason that the Torah does not mention the words “and it was good” on the second day of creation, although it was mentioned regarding all the other days – because when there is division, it is not good.
Full story
Sinai or sanctuary?

Feb 15, 2018 Go comment!

And in the beginning G-d was homeless, and so He asked His People to set Him up with some digs. Where does it say that? Well, nowhere, actually. But it does say that G-d instructed Moses “to tell the people They shall make for Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them”.
Full story
The difference between seeing and perceiving

Feb 08, 2018 Go comment!

What does G-d look like? If you ask most people this, they would be hard-pressed to give you an answer, while kids would probably draw a sunbeam or an old man on a cloud. Our Torah portion describes Moses and Aaron and 70 elders of Israel going up Mount Sinai, “and they saw the G-d of Israel” (Exodus 24). What did they see? The rabbinic commentators were puzzled because we are told later that you cannot see G-d and live (Exodus 33). How was it possible for this group of leaders to see G-d and live?
Full story
Teach your children well

Feb 01, 2018 Go comment!

While most in-law jokes target the mother-in-law, in this week’s portion, it is the father-in-law – specifically Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses – who interferes to tell Moses how to run his business.
Full story
It’s raining in Cape Town!

Jan 25, 2018 Go comment!

Yes, that’s the impression you’ll get from your Capetonian friend’s Facebook timeline every time there’s the slightest drizzle – when, in reality, it doesn’t make the slightest difference to the dam level. But just like we save every drop, we need to say thank you for every drop, no matter how small.
Full story
Parshat Bo – Tragic indecision

Jan 18, 2018 Go comment!

As the process of redemption moves towards its climax, our Sages tell us that great tragedy occurs. A terrifying number of Jews perish during the plague of darkness, and it is a diminished nation that leaves Egypt in triumph.
Full story
From Israel to America: Sephardi inspiration for Chanukah

Dec 15, 2017 Go comment!

For many years, I worked in the most special place I could imagine. It’s a radical beit midrash (house of study) in Jerusalem, Memizrach Shemesh, the Social Action Beit Midrash, inspired by the traditions of Jews from Arab lands.
Full story
Answering some oft-asked Chanukah questions

Dec 12, 2017 Go comment!

How do you pronounce Chanukah? Is there a correct spelling for the holiday? Why does Chanukah last eight days?
Full story
What on earth was Jacob thinking?

Dec 07, 2017 Go comment!

Jacob was not only a father, he was a forefather, a patriarch, a giant. Yet, the verses point out how he openly showed his affection towards Joseph and the problematic consequences thereof:
Full story
The Festival of Lights that signifies an inextinguishable faith

Dec 07, 2017 Go comment!

What I find fascinating about Chanukah, the Jewish Festival of Lights we celebrate at this time of the year, is the way its story was transformed by time.
Full story
Don’t give up the search!

Dec 07, 2017 Go comment!

Everyone knows the story of Chanukah. The Maccabees defeated the mighty Greek armies and reconquered Jerusalem. When they wanted to kindle the menorah in the Temple, they could only find one jug of oil - enough to burn one day - but, miraculously, it continued burning for eight days until new oil could be procured. Because of the miracle of the oil, the sages established an eight-day Festival of Lights.
Full story
In Budapest, Chanukah comes out of the shadows and onto the ice rink

Dec 07, 2017 Go comment!

The outdoor ice skating rink - the largest in Central Europe - in Budapest's city centre, has been part and parcel of Hungary's Christmas tradition for nearly 150 years.
Full story
The light and the darkness of Chanukah

Dec 07, 2017 Go comment!

Eight years ago on first night of Chanukah, I gave birth to my first child. Afterwards we joked that she was determined to be born on Chanukah.
Full story
Zucchini and sweet potato latkes with salmon and poached eggs

Dec 07, 2017 Go comment!

Latkes are synonymous with Chanukah. Here’s my modern take on the usual potato latkes. Topped with smoked salmon and poached eggs, they make a yummy meal!
Full story
Hake fishcakes for Chanukah

Dec 07, 2017 Go comment!

Fried fishcakes for Chanukah!
Full story