Irene Lancaster
New beginnings are always possible, even in this time of upheaval
In our topsy turvy world, where the unexpected happens more often than not, Succot tells us that new beginnings are always possible, even after the end of the summer.
The Abraham accords and rapprochement in the Middle East
It is hard not to regard the recent rapprochement between Israel and two further Arab countries as something of a miracle, as well as bashert (serendipitous).
Interpreting Rosh Hashana â the head of the year
Rosh Hashana is designated the 'birthday of the entire world' and this time of year is regarded as a time for reflection and contemplation.
In the fight to save a cathedral choir, going to court would be entirely justified
Those in charge at Sheffield Cathedral could be well-versed in the language of love and friendship, but when the actions don't follow, what do our words matter?
Finding life and hope at times of death and grief
Even in the most difficult times, there are things to be thankful for and help from G-d to see us through.
God's offer of blessing and curse
In Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Jewish people that words are injunctions which have to be put into practice.
Why the Jewish context of Jesus is important
The Archbishop of York recently said Jesus was black. But this is to deny his Jewishness.
The antidote to despair in a coronavirus world
G-d knows that we are fallible creatures with faults â and that's how it should be.
No, Israel is not conducting a land grab
For many Christians, it does seem that Israel is damned if she does and also damned if she doesn't.
No place like home: the place of the Temple in the Jewish religion
There are many Christians who mistakenly think that we Jews hang onto the Temple and synagogue as the be all and end all of worship. Far from it.
Lag Be'Omer and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale
May 12 is a very important date in the Jewish calendar. It is known as Lag Be'Omer, the 33rd day of counting the Omer between Pesach and the receiving of the Torah 7 weeks later at Mount Sinai on Shavuot.
What is hope?
This question is in our minds at present as the world grapples with Covid-19 and adopts various stances, depending on culture and background.
Walking faithfully with G-d when life doesn't make sense
No matter what situation we are in, G-d has something to teach us.
What is the Seder? A little word that speaks so much to us in these unusual times
The Pesach Seder, so often having to be celebrated in secret, has now become an invitation to the entire world: 'all those who are hungry, come and eat.'
Plagues and pandemics: what can the Bible tell us about them?
It's not all doom and gloom.
With coronavirus and a lax government, what we need is an Esther
What we need at present is an Esther â let us hope that one arises asap.