The Avrum Rosensweig Show

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI GEMARA: VA'YECHI AND 'CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY' (Audio)

In this week's Torah portion, Va'yechi, we witness the poignant moment of Jacob's deathbed blessing, where he speaks to his sons, offering words of prophecy and guidance. The portion delves deeply into themes of legacy, identity, and the burden of inheritance—both blessings and curses. As we reflect on these profound dynamics through the lens of Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton, we see striking parallels. In Paton's novel, the personal and collective struggles of South Africa’s people are deeply intertwined with the weight of history and the echoes of past injustices. Just as Jacob’s blessings carry the complex realities of his sons' destinies, the characters in Cry, the Beloved Country must navigate a fractured society marked by division and reconciliation. The call to "cry" is not just a cry for justice but also a cry for understanding, for the ability to heal from the wounds of the past and forge a path forward. Va'yechi, with its emphasis on familial ties, future trajectories, and the unresolved burdens of legacy, invites us to consider how we, too, must confront the legacies we inherit, whether they be of division or unity, pain or promise.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI GEMARA: VA'YECHI AND 'CRY, THE BELOVED COUNTRY' (Audio/Visual)

In this week's Torah portion, Va'yechi, we witness the poignant moment of Jacob's deathbed blessing, where he speaks to his sons, offering words of prophecy and guidance. The portion delves deeply into themes of legacy, identity, and the burden of inheritance—both blessings and curses. As we reflect on these profound dynamics through the lens of Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton, we see striking parallels. In Paton's novel, the personal and collective struggles of South Africa’s people are deeply intertwined with the weight of history and the echoes of past injustices. Just as Jacob’s blessings carry the complex realities of his sons' destinies, the characters in Cry, the Beloved Country must navigate a fractured society marked by division and reconciliation. The call to "cry" is not just a cry for justice but also a cry for understanding, for the ability to heal from the wounds of the past and forge a path forward. Va'yechi, with its emphasis on familial ties, future trajectories, and the unresolved burdens of legacy, invites us to consider how we, too, must confront the legacies we inherit, whether they be of division or unity, pain or promise.

BEATRICE WEBER: FOR 20 YEARS I SHAVED MY HEAD THEN ESCAPED RELIGIOUS TRAUMA IN THE HASIDIC COMMUNITY (Audio)

Beatrice Weber was born into a deeply traditional Hasidic community, where religious observance and strict cultural norms shaped every aspect of life. She was a devoted mother, raising ten children within the confines of the community’s values and expectations. However, after years of living in this insular world, Beatrice made the profound decision to go to college and learn how to drive shave her hair—acts that marked a symbolic break from the orthodox practices she had once adhered to. This bold step was part of a larger journey of self-discovery, which eventually led her to leave the Hasidic world altogether. Her decision to step away from the community, while challenging, became a powerful assertion of personal autonomy, as she sought to embrace a life that was true to her own beliefs and identity.

Transcript

BEATRICE WEBER: FOR 20 YEARS I SHAVED MY HEAD THEN ESCAPED RELIGIOUS TRAUMA IN THE HASIDIC COMMUNITY (Audio/Visual)

Beatrice Weber was born into a deeply traditional Hasidic community, where religious observance and strict cultural norms shaped every aspect of life. She was a devoted mother, raising ten children within the confines of the community’s values and expectations. However, after years of living in this insular world, Beatrice made the profound decision to go to college and learn how to drive shave her hair—acts that marked a symbolic break from the orthodox practices she had once adhered to. This bold step was part of a larger journey of self-discovery, which eventually led her to leave the Hasidic world altogether. Her decision to step away from the community, while challenging, became a powerful assertion of personal autonomy, as she sought to embrace a life that was true to her own beliefs and identity.

Julian Schlossberg: In the Footsteps of A Film Legend (Audio/Visual)

Julian Schlossberg is a legendary film producer, distributor, and entertainment industry veteran with a career spanning over six decades. Known for his work on iconic films such as The Sting, Paper Moon, and Ghost, Schlossberg has played a pivotal role in shaping Hollywood’s history. His deep knowledge of storytelling, production, and distribution has made him a respected figure in both film and television. In addition to producing and distributing films, Julian has worked closely with some of the biggest names in the entertainment like: Elia Kazan, John Cassavetes, Orson Welles Woody Allen, John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock and, The Marx Brothers. Julian continues to be a vital presence in the industry. His journey through the ever-evolving world of cinema offers invaluable insights for anyone passionate about film and the art of storytelling.

Julian Schlossberg: In the Footsteps of A Film Legend (Audio)

Julian Schlossberg is a legendary film producer, distributor, and entertainment industry veteran with a career spanning over six decades. Known for his work on iconic films such as The Sting, Paper Moon, and Ghost, Schlossberg has played a pivotal role in shaping Hollywood’s history. His deep knowledge of storytelling, production, and distribution has made him a respected figure in both film and television. In addition to producing and distributing films, Julian has worked closely with some of the biggest names in the entertainment like: Elia Kazan, John Cassavetes, Orson Welles Woody Allen, John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock and, The Marx Brothers. Julian continues to be a vital presence in the industry. His journey through the ever-evolving world of cinema offers invaluable insights for anyone passionate about film and the art of storytelling.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: PARSHAT VA'YIGASH THROUGH THE LENS OF 'THE KITE RUNNER' (Audio)

In the Torah portion of Va'Yigash, we see a powerful moment of reconciliation and personal transformation as Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, who had once betrayed him. This moment of intense emotional release and healing resonates with themes found in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, where characters grapple with past betrayals and seek redemption. Just as Joseph's brothers must confront their past actions and seek forgiveness, the protagonist of The Kite Runner, Amir, spends much of his life running from his guilt over betraying his friend Hassan. In both stories, the act of facing painful truths is the first step toward healing and reconciliation. Joseph, like Amir, is forced to decide between vengeance and forgiveness, and in choosing to forgive his brothers, he ultimately allows for personal and communal redemption. In Va'Yigash, the family is reunited not just physically, but emotionally, showing that true healing requires confronting past wounds and making a conscious choice to rebuild relationships. Just as in The Kite Runner, the journey toward forgiveness can be long and difficult, but it offers the promise of renewal and wholeness.

PARSHA & PROSE WITH RABBI SHLOMO GEMARA: PARSHAT VA'YIGASH THROUGH THE LENS OF 'THE KITE RUNNER' (Audio/Visual)

In the Torah portion of Va'Yigash, we see a powerful moment of reconciliation and personal transformation as Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, who had once betrayed him. This moment of intense emotional release and healing resonates with themes found in The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, where characters grapple with past betrayals and seek redemption. Just as Joseph's brothers must confront their past actions and seek forgiveness, the protagonist of The Kite Runner, Amir, spends much of his life running from his guilt over betraying his friend Hassan. In both stories, the act of facing painful truths is the first step toward healing and reconciliation. Joseph, like Amir, is forced to decide between vengeance and forgiveness, and in choosing to forgive his brothers, he ultimately allows for personal and communal redemption. In Va'Yigash, the family is reunited not just physically, but emotionally, showing that true healing requires confronting past wounds and making a conscious choice to rebuild relationships. Just as in The Kite Runner, the journey toward forgiveness can be long and difficult, but it offers the promise of renewal and wholeness.

GARY ROSENBLATT: FORMER EDITOR, BALTIMORE JEWISH TIMES & JEWISH NEWS OF DETROIT & JEWISH WEEK OF NY (Audio)

Gary Rosenblatt is a distinguished journalist known for his leadership and impactful writing in the Jewish community. Over the years, he served as editor of several prominent publications, including the Baltimore Jewish Times, the Jewish News of Detroit, the Atlanta Jewish Times, and The Jewish Week of New York. His career spanned several decades, during which he gained a reputation for both insightful reporting and editorial integrity. One of his most notable achievements was writing an article that was cited in the Pulitzer Prize competition, a testament to the quality and importance of his work. Rosenblatt’s influence extended beyond the pages of his publications, shaping Jewish discourse and providing a voice for critical issues facing the community.

GARY ROSENBLATT: FORMER EDITOR, BALTIMORE JEWISH TIMES & JEWISH NEWS OF DETROIT & JEWISH WEEK OF NY (Audio/Visual)

Gary Rosenblatt is a distinguished journalist known for his leadership and impactful writing in the Jewish community. Over the years, he served as editor of several prominent publications, including the Baltimore Jewish Times, the Jewish News of Detroit, the Atlanta Jewish Times, and The Jewish Week of New York. His career spanned several decades, during which he gained a reputation for both insightful reporting and editorial integrity. One of his most notable achievements was writing an article that was cited in the Pulitzer Prize competition, a testament to the quality and importance of his work. Rosenblatt’s influence extended beyond the pages of his publications, shaping Jewish discourse and providing a voice for critical issues facing the community.