Zionism on the Periphery

By Rabbi Dan Judson, PhD, Hebrew College Provost 

In 1951, the Prime Minister of the new country of Israel, David Ben Gurion, toured America raising money for Israel Bonds. Before speaking to a sold out Boston Garden, he visited a small college in Roxbury. Of all the places in America he was visiting, he said, the place he had most looked forward to speaking was Hebrew College, whose commitment to Hebrew culture and life was known in Israel. Ben Gurion's brief speech was met by a standing ovation followed by dancing in the streets in front of the College.

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Rabbi Dan Judson

SEVENTY FACES OF TORAH
On That Very Day

By Rabbi Avi Killip `14, Executive Director of Hadar and Hebrew College Trustee

Parshat Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9)

“On that very day that Abraham our forefather passed away, Jacob our forefather prepared a lentil stew to comfort Isaac, his father” (Bava Batra 16b). The Talmud goes on to explain that lentils are a traditional food cooked to comfort a mourner. Knowing the purpose of this meal may help us understand the surprising exchange the Jacob and Esau make: a bowl of stew for a birthright. How many siblings throughout history have found themselves fighting over their inheritance the moment the family patriarch passes away? While we know from elsewhere in the Torah that Isaac and Yishmael come together to bury their father Abraham, we learn here that the same moment drives Jacob and Esau apart. Both of these are responses we know from contemporary life, and may even have experienced, and they are both as old as the bible. 

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Hidden Light: Hannukah Melodies Lost and Found

Join us on Thursday, December 11 for a Soul Sounds Hannukah concert. Bless darkness, seek light, and play in shadows with twinkling melodies and stories from across the Jewish world. "There's a treasure trove of Hanukkah music from these different communities," says Hebrew College Artist-in-Residence Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer. "We're bringing melodies into conversation from traditions that have not encountered each other before." Featuring Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer, Abigale Reisman, Nadav Brenner, and Grant Smith.  

6:30 PM Latkes and bumuelos (Sephardic fried dough fritter Hanukkah treat)
7:00 PM Concert and song circle

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With deep gratitude to our series sponsors Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation; Suzanne Priebatsch; Susan and James Snider; Diane Troderman; and an anonymous donor.

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