Copy
View this email in your browser
Two Line Torah Logo


Two-Line Torah: Vayeira 5778 – Relearning to See

The fourth Torah portion Vayeira, continues the story cycle of Avram and includes poignant moments in his emerging relationship with Hashem and with his destiny as the father of Israel. The portion opens with the following narration: “Hashem appeared to [Avram] by the oaks of Mamre; he was sitting at the entrance of the tent as the day grew hot. Looking up, he saw three men standing near him.” I’d like to focus very briefly on seeing. In our text, Hashem appears, and Avram sees–but it isn’t so simple. There is a gap between what Avram sees (three men) and what is actually before him.

I’ll refer to this gap as a hyperlink and say that when I click on it, I am brought to the concept of the “male gaze.” Thinking and feeling through the #MeToo movement, I was focused on the problem of how we (primarily men) are taught how to see women. Sitting here with the first few lines of Vayeira, I think we can talk about the gap between what men see and what actually appears before them. The gap between the appearance of a person in her totality and how she is seen is the place of harassment and violence. Relearning how to see is one of the great challenges facing men. There would seem to be a few good Jewish guideposts for that reeducation. We should develop the curriculum.

Rabbi Joshua Bolton, Director of the Jewish Renaissance Project and Senior Jewish Educator, University of Pennsylvania Hillel

Two-Line Torah: Lech Lecha 5778 – Valuing The Journey

In Parashat Lech Lecha, God proclaims that he will bless Abraham throughout the journey from his birthplace to the unknown, new “land that [God] will show [him.]”

God asserts to Abraham “Lech Lecha,” which literally translates to “go for you.” Abraham is not directly commanded to go for God’s sake or for the sake of the Jewish people; rather, he is told to go for himself. While the intention and end destination may be a bit unclear to Abraham, he knows that he will be protected and supported throughout his journey of discovery and self-growth.

Similar to Abraham’s journey of self-discovery, a college experience provides a framework for forging a unique path toward personal growth and inspired learning. College is an environment in which to encounter different people, try new things, make mistakes, and grow personally from each experience. Throughout the various twists and turns of college life, it is important to remember that the “journey,” similar to Abraham’s, is all about creating your own path and finding value in learning more about yourself along the way. The end destination may be unclear, but life in college is an ongoing process of clarifying how to make each day on campus meaningful, intentional, and fulfilled.

Elan Kramer is the first year engagement coordinator at Columbia/Barnard Hillel.


Two-Line Torah, a weekly email to all Hillel professionals and others who sign up, offers a thought based on that week's Torah reading to share with students, colleagues, and friends in a variety of contexts, including during a coffee date, at a Shabbat meal or service, or at the opening of a meeting. We hope that this will enable everyone in the Hillel community to engage in the timeless ideas that have inspired and guided the Jewish people throughout the centuries.
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Instagram
Instagram
Website
Website
Copyright © 2017 Hillel International, All rights reserved.


unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences