Thoughts on the Parashah

Men, Women, and Religious Worship

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Bo – פרשת בא January 8, 2022 – ו שבט תשפב This essay is sponsored by Honey & Sol Neier and Gail Levine in loving memory of Claire Krumper and Roslyn Levine. Men, Women, and Religious Worship After Moses and Aaron threatened

by January 7, 2022 – 6 Shevat 5782

Sacrilege begets violence

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Va’era – פרשת וארא January 1, 2022 – כח טבת תשפב Sacrilege begets violence When, in his capacity as redeemer of Israel, Moses initially approached Pharaoh, he did not ask for the Israelites’ complete and permanent liberation. He began...

by January 5, 2022 – 3 Shevat 5782

Judah’s Ignominious Descent

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Vayeshev – פרשת וישב November 27, 2021 – כג כסלו תשפב Judah’s Ignominious Descent Genesis 38 tells the story of Judah and Tamar. The chapter begins with Judah’s departing the company of his brothers and developing close bonds of...

by November 29, 2021 – 26 Kislev 5782

Coerced Conversion

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Vayishlach – פרשת וישלח November 20, 2021 – טז כסלו תשפב This essay is sponsored by Joshua & Deena Davis in memory of Sarah Rebecca Davis שרה רבקה בת יעקב ז”ל. Coerced Conversion Genesis 36 records the genealogical table of...

by November 20, 2021 – 17 Kislev 5782

Parshat Toldot – פרשת תולדת

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Toldot – פרשת תולדת November 6, 2021 – ב כסלו תשפב This essay is dedicated in memory of Benjamin Karbowitz Z”L. Isaac’s Blindness In his old age, Isaac sought to confer blessings upon Esau. “And it happened when Isaac was old, that his...

by November 6, 2021 – 3 Kislev 5782

Abraham the Prophet

THOUGHTS ON THE PARASHAH Rabbi Evan Hoffman – Congregation Anshe Sholom evanhoffman@gmail.com Parshat Vayera – פרשת וירא October 23, 2021 – יז מרחשון תשפב Abraham the Prophet Upon the arrival in Gerar of Abraham and Sarah, Sarah was forcibly taken into the harem of the local potentate, Abimelech. God appeared to Abimelech in a nocturnal...

by October 23, 2021 – 18 Heshvan 5782