Midrashic Monologues

In the Haftarah portion for Rosh Hashanah, we are introduced to Hannah and Peninah, two wives of Elkanah. These women are depicted in both the Tanakh and Midrash as antagonists, opposites, and rivals. In this Midrashic Monologue, we explore the parallels between these women’s needs and hopes. We allow them to tell us of their dreams and of their pain. (Click HERE to access a pdf version of this #MidrashicMonologue that displays the two women's prayers side by side.) HANNAH: E

In the book of Genesis, Joseph and the pharaoh he served are depicted as a team so effective that they were able to safeguard Egypt during a lengthy and intense famine. Importantly though, their relationship seems equally strong on a personal level, and there are multiple times in the story when Pharaoh seems to provide emotional support for Joseph as well as economic support for the Israelites. In this #MidrashicMonologue, we revisit the relationship between these two men an

The ceremony that gave Aaron and his sons the responsibilities and power of the priesthood required each man to wear an elaborate garment. In this #MidrashicMonologue, we join Miriam, the sister of Aaron and Moses, as she sits with her mother (Yocheved), sister-in-law (Elisheva), and cousins (Nepheg and Elzaphan), as they prepare the priests’ decorative clothing. We explore what Miriam, who is so often described as exuberant and confident, might have been thinking as she help