Professor Melissa Raphael

Latest from Professor Melissa Raphael

Simchat Torah

In the dance of Simchat Torah we can find our unity as a people

On this festival we must set aside our differences and join in the circle of celebration of the Torah

3 min read

Dancing with the Sefer Torah on Simchat Torah in Netanya, 2010 (Getty Images)

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of the New North London Synagogue

When a Rabbinic rebuke can endanger Jewish lives

4 min read

Light of Zion; statue of the menorah, symbol of the state of Israel near the Knesset (Photo: Getty Images)

We must reclaim the ethical vision at the heart of Zionism

6 min read

Pursuing co-existence: the Arab-Jewish village of Wahat al-Salaam/Neve Shalom in Israel

The modern messianic Zionism that keeps alive our hope

4 min read

Parashah of the week: Devarim

“You shall not be partial in judgment: hear out low and high alike. Fear no man, for judgment is God’s. And any matter that is too difficult for you, you shall bring to me and I will hear it” Deuteronomy 1:17

1 min read

July 20, 2023 14:37

A torah (Hebrew scripture) reading. The "yod" - a hand-shaped silver pointer - is used by the reader to mark his or her place in the text.

Parashah of the week: Behar-Bechukkotai

“I the Lord am your God who brought you out from the land of the Egyptians to be their slaves no more, who broke the bars of your yoke and made you walk erect” Leviticus 26: 13

1 min read

May 11, 2023 10:57