Archive for February 2019
Tribes, Identity & Individual Freedom in Israel
Written by Natan Sachs and Brian Reeves and published by the Center for Middle East Policy, this 23-page long article examines the history and implications of Israel’s attitudes and policies toward individual autonomy,
The Population of Israel
Published by the Jewish People Policy Institute in 2015, this 24-page long study provides a thorough analysis of Israel’s demographic characteristics and trends in order to influence policy-making that will increase the Jewish character
Arab Citizens of Israel Early in the Twenty-First Century
Written by Arik Rudnitzky, project manager of the Konrad Adenauer Program for Jewish-Arab Cooperation at the Moshe Dayan Center, this 137-page long study assesses the political and social situation of Israel’s Arab citizens early in the twenty-first
The NCSY Megillah Companion For Teens
Created by NCSY, an Orthodox organization dedicated to inspiring Jewish youth to engage with Judaism, this booklet summarizes each chapter of Megillat Esther, and provides accompanying ideas, images and activities to make the story more meaningful and
Educational Resource: Purim, Peoplehood & Collective Responsibility
Through a hands-on activity, text study and dvar Torah, this educational resource explores the elements of Jewish peoplehood and collective responsibility found in the Purim story and customs. Created by Makom, the educational wing of the Jewish Agency, this
A Purim Poem: A Blessing for the Next Generation
Written by Isabella R. Hess, this thoughtful Purim poem blesses the next generation of Jewish children with the qualities exemplified by the characters in the Purim story – the courage of Esther, the humility
Purim Greetings: Poetic Purim Blessings
Written by Rabbi Simon Jacobson, the director of the The Meaningful Life Center, this poem blesses the reader with the profound spiritual secrets of Purim. Purim Greetings May you be turned inside out upside
Another Star/Another Queen: A Purim Spoken Word Poem
Written and performed by Rachel Kann, this creative video (05:57) presents a feminist spoken word poem inspired by Vashti’s refusal to comply to the demands of King Achashverosh. The lyrics can be seen below.
A Feminist Megillah Reading Ritual: Verses for Esther
This post presents an innovative feminist ritual that some communities have adopted during the reading of Megillat Esther on Purim. Traditionally, four verses are read aloud in unison by the enter congregation for
A Feminist Ritual: Vashti & Purim Flags
This post presents a new Purim ritual created by Ma’yan, a Jewish feminist, social justice and leadership training program for teen girls. They created flags celebrating the courage of two female characters in