Jewish Languages

The Story of “Oy Vey”

Half Hebrew, half Aramaic, this classic lament is all Jewish.

Praying Against our Enemies

Since ancient times, Judaism’s most central prayer has included a curse against ‘the insolent.’

The Amulet: A Jewish Charm

Belief in the power of amulets persisted widely among Jews for many centuries, and still exists in some communities today.

What is Hashem?

A name for God that simply means “the Name.”

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Next Torah Portion

Summary

In this Torah portion, God makes a covenant with Abram promising to make his descendants a great nation. God changes Abram’s name to Abraham. Abraham has a child with Hagar and names him Ishmael. God then promises Abraham’s barren wife, Sarah, that she will have a child.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Lech-Lecha

Genesis 12:1-17:27

Isaiah 40:27-41:16

Lech-Lecha: In Praise of Holy Discomfort

A lesson in the role of discomfort in fomenting social change.

Jewish Meditation Moment

Meets: Tuesdays

Hosted by: My Jewish Learning


recharge now

Our weekly Shabbat newsletter, Recharge, features a thoughtful, timely essay to enrich your Shabbat. Here are a few of our recent pieces:

Freedom Beyond the Self

Freedom requires us to know what we are for, what we will do with our freedom, and how that will impact others.

Prayer for Voters

Even though most Jews live in democracies, they continue to pray for their leaders — not the people who elect them.

The Search For a New Land

We can escape neither our accidents nor our fates.


MORE from MY JEWISH LEARNING

Must a Jew Believe in God?

The centrality of God in Judaism may not be as straightforward as you think.

Jews and Finance

The idea that Jews are good with money is one of the oldest Jewish stereotypes. But it’s undeniable that Jews are well-represented in finance and business.

The Jews of Greece

The oldest Jewish community in Europe traces its history back more than 2,300 years.

Shehechiyanu: A Meditation on this Moment

This blessing, traditionally recited for firsts, can be said anytime — since every moment is new and unprecedented.

What is Jewish Meditation?

“Truly, you are where your mind is,” taught the Baal Shem Tov.

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

This phrase with kabbalistic roots has come to connote social justice.

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