Nefilim. Literally “fallen ones.” One of Torah’s great mysteries. Who are they? If we read Torah with attention to detail,…
Category: Feminism
Lamentations: A Survivor Speaks
Here is a very short introduction to the biblical book of Lamentations. Who educates us about disgrace and degradation, suffering…
Justice: Where the Torah's moral arc bends
The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. So said Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.…
Violence in Esther: Realistic or Extravagant?
Violence in Esther. It’s easy to miss. The Book of Esther is such a feel-good story! Such a great political thriller! …
From Eve to Tamar: Does Torah Say Mothering is Easy?
Tamar, daughter-in-law of Judah. Tamar stars in a short, woman-centred story (Gen. 38:1-30). This story — says Biblical scholar Robert Alter —…
Assault on Dina: A Frighteningly Modern Biblical Fable
Dina, quiet star of a disturbing Biblical story. A teaching story, with lessons for our time, too. Dina: An Ancient…
Rape Culture in the Bible: Are we still living in Sodom?
Rape. Sexual assault. Sexual harassment. MeToo. Tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of women are saying it. I’ve said…
The Entire Torah is Just a Manifesto for Women's Rights. Torah Portion Mattot-Masei tells us so!
Oh boy! Oh girl! Look at the opening sentences of Parshat Mattot-Masei (Numbers 30:2-36:13). Women can vow to work at…
Patriarchy in the Torah? It's Complicated! Just look at Torah portion Pinchas!
Torah showcases the patriarchy. Of course! It reflects the patriarchal society in which it was written. Reflects. You gotta love that mirror…