Category Archives: Midrash

The Walk Is Painful

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

The poet, Muriel Rukeyser, learned from her mother the family tradition that she was a direct descendant of Rabbi Akiba. Muriel carried that legacy into a life of vision and activism, beginning in the 1930’s when she wrote and spoke … Continue reading →

Posted in Midrash, Poetry | 2 Comments

Created On The Second Day

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

When was love created? asked a modern Israeli poet. When were the angels made? an ancient sage inquired. Each question contains an essential quest: to read a detail of personal interest both into, and out of, the few verses of … Continue reading →

Posted in Angels, Midrash, Parshat HaShavuah, Poetry | 1 Comment

The Binding Of God

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

To my mind’s eye, Rabbi Berechiah appeared stoop-shouldered and mournful on Rosh Hashanah as he listened to the Torah reader recite Genesis 22, The Binding of Isaac. Berechiah, a 4th century sage of the land of Israel, was pained by … Continue reading →

Posted in Days of Awe, Holidays, Midrash, Poetry, Torah | 1 Comment

Each Person’s Stamp and Seal

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

The end of the matter, all things being heard:  Revere God and observe his commandments, for this is the sum of human life. With this verse, the liturgical reading of Ecclesiastes comes to an end; the penultimate verse is repeated … Continue reading →

Posted in Midrash, Poetry, Talmud | 3 Comments

Leavening On Our Shelves And In Ourselves

Posted on April 18, 2016 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

Every year, several weeks before Passover, my personal search for leaven begins in a way that is more symbolic than actual. I approach my bookshelves where there are many books that have served their rising, yeasty purposes and are now … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Midrash, Passover, Poetry | 1 Comment

The Middle Of The Story And The Story Of The Middle

Posted on March 31, 2015 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

On the Torah page, the miracle of Passover’s seventh day comes into view. The Torah page literally pictures Israel crossing the sea—glistening black letters against sea foam parchment.  The words are inscribed according to the script: Look! There are the people … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Midrash, Passover, Poetry | Leave a comment

A Branch of the Tree of Life

Posted on January 22, 2015 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

Moses’ staff escaped our notice completely until God drew attention to it by asking Moses: What is that in your hand? (Exodus 4:2). That staff is the most animated of all the inanimate objects in the Torah. Jolted from scaly … Continue reading →

Posted in Midrash, Parshat HaShavuah, Poetry | 6 Comments

Sinai’s Appealing Thunder

Posted on June 1, 2014 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

I will not float in space un-tethered lest a cloud obscure the very fine line in my heart that separates good and evil. I have no life-line without the lightning and the thunder that I heard at Sinai. (Click here … Continue reading →

Posted in Holidays, Memory, Midrash, Poetry | Leave a comment

Never Too Early, Never Too Late

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

On the 9th anniversary of my father’s death— It seemed to some ancient sages that the Book of Ezekiel opens years after the start of the prophet’s career. Instead of beginning in the fifth year of the exile of King … Continue reading →

Posted in Events, Life cycle, Memory, Midrash, Poetry | 3 Comments

In Light of Obligation

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Sicha, Continuing the Conversation

Halacha is law; the obligated Jewish life. To live without halacha is impossible. To live with it is risky— from a lecture by Rabbi David Hartman. When halachic man looks to the western horizon and sees the fading rays of … Continue reading →

Posted in Midrash, Poetry, Prayer, Talmud | 3 Comments