Mijal Bitton, at The Blogs

Mijal Bitton

Jan 16, 2025, 10:53 PM

Like much of the Jewish world, my emotions are in turmoil. Will 33 beloved hostages really come home? Our anticipation is fraught with fear: the risk of retreating from Northern Gaza, the release of terrorists with blood-stained hands, and...

Jan 9, 2025, 11:07 PM

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Israel is saving us: Vayehi and reciprocal saving

The Jewish State reminds us of our highest values. It strips away the illusions created by America’s obsession with comfort and status.

Jan 2, 2025, 10:36 PM

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Why do we make New Year’s resolutions when we don’t stick to them?

'Joseph and His Brothers,' by Franz Anton Maulbertsch, between 1745-1750. (Wikimedia Commons)

Learn from Judah, who, in contrast to many sinners, takes responsibility for his actions, and from Joseph, who forgives those who wronged him (Vayigash)

Dec 26, 2024, 11:05 PM

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Reclaiming Hanukkah

Detail from 'The Story of Hanukkah' by Ori Sherman. (via Facebook)

Step away from the commercialization of the holiday, and fight for Jewish survival, against assimilation, and to own the Jewish story of resistance

Dec 20, 2024, 1:45 AM

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When we are estranged: The Jewish covenant

Activists opposed to a gender-separated public prayer event confront worshipers in Dizengoff Square, Tel Aviv, on Yom Kippur eve, September 24, 2023. (Tomer Neuberg/ Flash90)

In times of suffering, the Jewish people circle the wagons. What's harder is keeping hold of our fractious family when times are good (Vayeshev)

Dec 12, 2024, 11:02 PM

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Fighting back: Even in the face of Jew-hatred, we must not hide

From a study for 'The Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau,' by Peter Paul Rubens, 1624. (Wikipedia)

It is the moments of unflinching honesty about who we are, what we value, and who we stand with that define us (Vayishlach)

Dec 5, 2024, 11:45 PM

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When enough is everything

'Meeting between Esau and Jacob,' by Raffaellino Bottalla. (Google Art Project)

If sibling rivalry doesn't provoke jealousy in you, then the materialism of the era probably will. So why wasn't the biblical Jacob riddled with envy? (Vayetzei)

Nov 28, 2024, 7:21 PM

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If Esau could have met Rabbi Zvi Kogan z”l

Study for the painting, 'Reconciliation of Jacob and Esau,' by Peter Paul Rubens, 1624. (Wikipedia)

Jacob is the 'good guy' in his family, but was his twin really such a villain? What if he had been educated with the love each child needs? (Toledot)

Nov 22, 2024, 2:13 PM

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Kindness revolution

'Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well,' by Ferdinand Bol (1616 – 1680).

Abraham pushes God to wield justice; Rebecca welcomes a stranger with extra care; and both teach the world of the value of both traits (Chayei Sarah)

Nov 14, 2024, 11:50 PM

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Who’s afraid of child sacrifice?

Illustrative. Israeli soldiers and Shlomit Lipshitz, center, mother of Staff Sgt. Lavi Lipshitz, salute over the grave of her son during his funeral in the Mount Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem, November 1, 2023. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

We've seen Israelis drop everything to serve their people, at great personal expense. Can American Jews learn to reach beyond themselves in this way?

About Me

Dr. Mijal Bitton is a Spiritual Leader and Sociologist. She is the Rosh Kehilla of The Downtown Minyan, a Scholar in Residence at the Maimonides Fund, and a Visiting Researcher at NYU Wagner. Follow her for weekly Jewish wisdom on her Substack, Committed: https://mijal.substack.com/.