Tag Archives: Rachel Barenblat

The Meaning of Holy Texts of Terror

By Robin Bates | Published: November 18, 2023

Biblical stories of violence confront us with wrenching questions. Rabbi Rebecca Barenblat’s poems grapple with it.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Abraham Failed the Test

By Robin Bates | Published: June 27, 2020

Rabbi Barenblat reads the Abraham and Isaac story as God wanting Abraham to push back–and then never speaking to him again after what he does.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , | Comments closed

Rosh Hashanah: How To Make It New

By Robin Bates | Published: September 17, 2017

Spiritual Sunday – Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah begins on Tuesday, giving me an excuse to share this stimulating poem by Rachel Barenblat, keeper of the wonderfully named Velveteen Rabbi blog. The Jewish New Year, as you probably know, celebrates the day of creation, and people take the opportunity to examine their lives over the past year and repent. […]

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , | Comments closed

Queen Esther: Just an Ordinary Woman

By Robin Bates | Published: March 4, 2012

Rachel Barenblat’s poem about Queen Esther brings her down to earth and in the process makes her far more interesting.

Posted in Uncategorized | Also tagged , , , , | Comments closed