Collection
This is a collection of Dvrei Torah from members of Rabbis for Human Rights from 2024-2025 on the Parashot of Bereshit. The Torah written here is part of our commitment to educating the public about human rights through a Jewish ethical lens, fostering a culture of awareness and action.
Rabbis for Human Rights (RHR), founded in 1988, is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Comprising rabbis and rabbinical students from diverse Jewish traditions—including Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, and Reconstructionist—RHR is driven by the profound Jewish values of justice, dignity, and equality.
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The Time of Stealing: Thoughts on Parashat Vayetzei - Rabbi Michael Marmur (Translated by Rabbi Ma'ayan Turner)In Parashat Vayetzei, Rabbi Michael Marmur reflects on Laban’s accusation of three thefts by Jacob and sees echoes in today’s world: of grief, deception, and hijacked faith. In a time of stealing, we must respond with truth, giving, and hope.
The Temple is not built at a time of war: Thoughts for Parashat Va’Yechi - Rabbi Jesse BurkeRabbi Jesse Burke explores Jacob’s search for a worthy leader and the limits of impulsive action. Reflecting on Judah’s patience and David’s failings, he reminds us: true sanctity (the Temple) can only be built in times of peace, not war.
In a Place Where There Are No People, Strive to Be a Person: Thoughts for Parashat Vayigash - Rabbi Gabi Barzilai (Translated by Rabbi Ma'ayan Turner)In Parashat Vayigash, Rabbi Gabi Barzilai explores the transition that Judah makes from selling Joseph to offering himself for Benjamin. A moving reflection on teshuva, responsibility, and how true leadership emerges from humility, courage, and moral clarity.
Imagine the Unimaginable, Believe the Impossible: About light and faith in Parashat Miketz - By: Rabbi Lana Zilberman SolowayIn Miketz, Joseph rises from darkness to light, choosing forgiveness over revenge. Rabbi Lana Zilberman Soloway connects his journey to Hanukkah and our world today, urging us to imagine the unimaginable, pursue justice, and become shamashim—bearers of light.
My brothers I seek: Thoughts on Parashat Vayyeshev - Rabbi David GoodmanReflecting on Joseph’s cry, “My brothers I seek,” Rabbi David Goodman explores the resilience of seeking connection even when it is rejected. In today’s fractured world, we must persist in pursuit of solidarity, dream of justice and dignity, even when brotherhood seems lost.
From man you are and to man you shall return: Thoughts on Parshat Va'Yetze - Rabbi Noa MazorRabbi Noa Mazor reflects on Parashat Vayetze: As Jacob flees and dreams, God promises blessing that is not just for land, but hope for all people. Not all journeys are chosen. Some lead to pain and war. May we all walk paths of justice and cry out against those that don’t.
Faith requires resistance to injustice – Thoughts on Parashat Vayeira - Gideon AdmanitGideon Admanit explores Abraham's bold challenge to God's plan to destroy Sodom and offers another interpretation of the "test" of thebinding of Isaac. He argues that true faith demands moral protest against injustice—even toward God.
They Who Walk in Shadow: Thoughts on Parashat Chayei Sarah - Rabbi Chaya Rowen-BakerRabbi Chaya Rowen-Baker uncovers the hidden narratives of those living on the biblical margins. Through a careful literary reading, she explores how shadow figures shape our stories while remaining unseen. In today's context, she urges us to recognize those sacrificed for power
"These are the Generations of Rebekah”: Thoughts for Parashat Toldot - Rabbi Amichai Lau-LavieRabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie calls Rebekah the mother of Midrash, a woman who questions the pain of her pregnancy and seeks deeper meaning. Through ancient and modern voices, he invites us to imagine a new Torah that responds to maternal anguish and generational struggle with hope.
The Chosen People: Thoughts on Parashat Lech Lecha - Rabbi Dr. Donniel HartmanRabbi Dr. Donniel Hartman explores the complex implications of Jewish chosenness introduced in this parasha. He contrasts biblical interpretations of chosenness that grants privilege and supremacy to ones that demand moral responsibility and justice for all.
"All this and just 'perhaps'?!" : Thoughts on Parashat Noach - Rabbi Talia Avnon-BenvenisteRabbi Talia Avnon-Benveniste reflects on Parashat Noach in the shadow of October 7. She explores the silence of God, the fragility of hope, and the painful uncertainty symbolized in the verse from Lamentations expanded on by the sages in Tractate Chagiga 4b.
The story of the life desiring human created in his image: Thoughts on Parashat “Bereshit” - Rabbi Doron RosenblumRabbi Doron Rosenblum reflects on the creation of humankind in God's image, exploring the divine intention behind human diversity, freedom, and moral complexity. Rosenblum calls us to choose life, take responsibility, and do good in a world where both light and shados exist.
