Tanya White, at The Blogs

Dec 1, 2023, 2:18 PM

Why the progressive liberal left isn’t sympathetic to Israel’s pain

Yaffa Adar, center, being brought back home to Israel on November 24, 2023. When taken on October 7, she was photographed smiling, causing observers to ask whether she understood what was happening. Her relatives explained that she knew full well, and was defiant. (courtesy)

The Jewish experience has been replete with suffering, but since the time of the biblical Jacob, this people has refused to play victim

Oct 10, 2023, 3:47 PM

People Love Dead Jews – Bad Luck – We are Alive and Kicking

The night my father died suddenly I didn’t want to go to sleep. I cried to my husband saying that while asleep I’ll forget what happened and then when I wake up I’ll have to relive that nightmare moment...

Aug 29, 2023, 12:35 PM

Ki Tavo and Enlistment to the IDF: A Mother’s Perspective

One of my favourite songs from the hit musical Hamilton is “who lives, who dies, who tells your story”. Alexander Hamilton was one of the founding fathers of America, however it was not just the way in which he...

Mar 3, 2023, 12:15 PM

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God is not in the earthquake, but in the still silent voice

A woman crying as she sits atop the rubble of her collapsed house in Yaylakonak village in Adiyaman district, a Kurdish alevi community village where 108 people died and 170 houses collapsed after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck parts of Turkey and Syria, February 19, 2023. (BULENT KILIC / AFP)

The idea that suffering is divine punishment doesn't ring true anymore, but focusing on the pain of another allows for a profound take on the problem of evil

Oct 14, 2022, 2:03 PM

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The enduring message of Kohelet for our transient times

'Cain and Abel Offering Up Sacrifices.' (via Twitter)

When we become aware of how fleeting the breath of existence, we may get angry, as Cain did, or we can come to terms with it, and allow it to elevate us

Apr 27, 2022, 5:27 PM

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Why do bad things happen? It’s time to rethink Holocaust theology

My maternal grandfather, a Holocaust survivor fighting in Israel's War of Independence. (courtesy)

We say 'never again' and cry tears at unimaginable horrors. But are we really moved if we are not shocked out of our theological and religious comfort zones?

Feb 18, 2022, 2:32 PM

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When the Golden Calf meets the TikTok Daf

'Adoration of the Golden Calf,' by Nicolas Poussin, 17th century.

At the heart of the Tabernacle lies the Golden Calf, for all divine worship involving creativity and human interpretation holds the potential for idolatry

Jan 8, 2021, 11:58 AM

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Our leaders can learn from Miriam the prophetess

Her very name means 'bitter.' She knew that evil exists. And she confronted Pharaoh anyway, in her hope for a better tomorrow

Nov 8, 2020, 11:12 AM

in memoriam

Only tears: Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l

On the impact of this educator, philosopher, rabbi, teacher, who conversed with world-class leaders and thinkers, yet managed to stir the hearts, souls, and minds of regular folks

Oct 30, 2020, 1:56 AM

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Shattering hubris in our ‘old-new’ land

Abram Journeying into the Land of Canaan (engraving by Gustave Doré from the 1865 La Sainte Bible)

Abraham was on the move to find his truth, which led him to doubt the broken idols of home and mind; and to renew his path of mystery, beauty, and wonder. We can do no less

About Me

Dr. Tanya White is a lecturer in Tanach and Philosophy and a Sacks Scholar. She is currently a senior lecturer at Matan, LSJS and Pardes and acts as scholar in residence for many communities in Israel and abroad. Tanya has published numerous articles in books and on social media. To contact her or read more of her ideas visit her webpage www.tanyawhite.org

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