The mishkan, tabernacle, is described twice in the text. This section of the text is one of the sources of the debate over the chronology of the text, which, as Briah Cahana posits, speaks to a deeper idea about the dual-layered material of not only the aron but also our relationship with God, and testify to a broken nation seeking healing.

Rabbanit Goldie Guy and Rabbi David Wolkenfeld return to discuss what’s happened and what’s on tap, covering first the vaccine efforts and then the transition from a Friday-night Purim meal to erev Pesach on Shabbat, with hope for the future.

The parallel storylines of Moshe atop Sinai with God and the people by the foot of the mountain depict a disconnect familiar to all as the experience of Zoom education. While God refuses to rejoin the nation and end the rift, God does persist in giving the Torah to a nation, says Emily Singer in the name of Rabbi Sacks and Sivan Rahav-Meir, so stubborn that it becomes a benefit once Moshe is able to rejoin the people and advocate effectively as a part of the whole.

A husband who refuses a get, divorce document, can now be viewed as exerting controlling and coercive behaviour, listed as a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act, and can be prosecuted as such. Joanne Greenaway, Naomi Dickson, Rabbanit Ramie Smith and more speak about the powerful implications of this breakthrough moment.

The Clergy: Safe Employees and Employers program has been invited to speak at many seminaries about the world of protection and respect beyond the letter of state or federal law to encourage a safer and warmer environment in religious institutions. Further, Yeshivat Maharat’s director of pastoral counseling Esther Altmann speaks about the harassment and abuse experienced by women leaders and rabbis in congregations as the community grows together.

Rabba Aliza Libman Baronofsky reflects upon the legacy of her Zeidy and the compassion he showed in being present for his loved ones.

The text describing the artisans who crafted the mishkan, Tabernacle, describes those with hands-on wisdom. Rabbanit Dr. Liz Shayne evaluates the other kinds of wisdom imparted over the course of the book, using this to explain why it is wisdom of the will required specifically of the creative architects.

The clothes worn by the kohen gadol, High Priest, were decked in pomegranates and bells, the decorations hinting towards the trifecta first seen in creation. Rabba Sara Hurwitz juxtaposes the two narratives to show the Divine triad of listening, speaking and acting as it influences Aharon, and the importance of creative work supplemented with two-way conversation.

Rabba Sara Hurwitz (Welcome & Framing) • Rabba Wendy Amsellem (Isolation & Connection in Megillat Esther) • Rabbanit Judith Levitan (V’nahafochu: Disruption and Innovation in Megillat Esther) • Rabbanit Gloria Nusbacher (The Tale of Vashti’s Tail) • Rabbanit Bracha Jaffe (The Power of the Pintele Yid)

The Jim Joseph Foundation introduces Yeshivat Maharat to a broader audience, speaking of its work with students and the community, both physical and digital. Between Mind the Gap, a mini educational Sabbatical program and Power Hour of Torah, the article speaks to the powerful influence of the yeshiva.