Voices of WRJ
By Marilyn Morrison , 1/22/2021
In our Torah portion this Shabbat, Parashah Bo, we encounter the final plagues God brings upon Pharaoh. Each successive plague becomes more severe and debilitating. And as the plagues become worse, Pharaoh becomes more stubborn. With blood, frogs, lice, insects, and slaying of the beasts, the text says that Pharaoh’s heart stiffens; his stubborn arrogance entrenches his position. God sends the eighth and ninth plagues, locusts, and darkness, but Pharaoh still refuses to free the Israelite slaves. God tells Moses that the tenth plague will be the killing of all the firstborn Egyptians. God... Read More
By Cher Krichmar, 1/15/2021
In this Torah portion, we read about Moses and his dilemma of bringing his people out of Egypt and bondage. He cannot persuade his people to accept G-d’s wishes. He wonders, if his people rebuff him, how will he convince Pharaoh to believe him? Is it the challenges he has in speaking that are causing him to doubt himself? Or does he doubt he can be the strong leader that G-d sees in him? As with so many women of my generation, a poor self-image and self-doubt were tremendous obstacles in my day-to-day life, in work, in school, and as I grew into adulthood. I can trace that poor... Read More
By Cher Krichmar, 1/15/2021
In this Torah portion, we read about Moses and his dilemma of bringing his people out of Egypt and bondage. He cannot persuade his people to accept G-d’s wishes. He wonders, if his people rebuff him, how will he convince Pharaoh to believe him? Is it the challenges he has in speaking that are causing him to doubt himself? Or does he doubt he can be the strong leader that G-d sees in him? As with so many women of my generation, a poor self-image and self-doubt were tremendous obstacles in my day-to-day life, in work, in school, and as I grew into adulthood. I can trace that poor... Read More
By HarrietAnn Litwin , 1/08/2021
Sometimes, I sit back and wonder about how I got involved in WRJ. I think my story is like that of many other members. The story of this week’s parashah, Shemot, relates to my journey, and perhaps yours, in finding a place in WRJ. The parashah begins with a list of names, descendants of Jacob, and describes Moses’ ascent to leadership, including his encounter with the burning bush. There is a bush that is burning in the field, burning without being consumed. We’re not told how long it has been burning. We’re not sure if others have passed by and not noticed the burning... Read More
By by Lillian Burkenheim Silver , 1/04/2021
Just when we need it the most, we come to Vayechi. We are closing the chapter on 2020, a year filled with division, death, and destruction. Everything we knew, everything we did—STOPPED! There were no Onegs. No gatherings. No coffee meetups. No kid drop-off and pick-up. No work—at least not as we knew it. The rhythm of our days, weeks, months, and year was all out of kilter. Some held their breath, waiting for this anomaly of a virus to be over; others tried to ignore it, and still, others saw an opportunity to pivot. We look forward to 2021, not knowing what will unfold, but hoping for... Read More
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