Irene Lancaster

Deuteronomy and the balance of power

The answer to power which corrupts is checks and balances. Therefore, towards the end of his life, Moses gives the Children of Israel instructions on how to separate King, judiciary and legislature.

Deuteronomy and the art of listening

Hebrew culture, followed to a large extent by Judaism today, is based largely on hearing. By contrast, Western cultures tend to be based on sight.

Deuteronomy: preparation for entering the Promised Land

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on Deuteronomy and the significance for the Israelites of entering the Promised Land.

The Pit, the spring and the well: lessons for the nation's wellbeing from Proverbs 5

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster, reflects on Proverbs 5 and what it has to say about some of our present challenges.

Micah 6:8 and the wisdom of 'walking humbly with your G-d'

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on the complexities of Micah 6:8 and why this verse is more relevant than ever.

Why I don't want a Holocaust memorial next to Parliament

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster explains why, even as a Jew, she is fiercely opposed to plans for a new Holocaust memorial in Westminster.

Numbers and the revelation at Sinai: counting everyone in

Every individual counts and this is what the 'Numbers' narrative is telling the children of Israel in the second year of their Exodus from Egypt.

The coronation from a Jewish perspective

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster reflects on the coronation of King Charles III from a Jewish perspective.

80 years after the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, what have we learnt?

What can we do? What is my father's legacy? What is my grandmother's legacy on this sorrowful day?

Leviticus and lessons in leadership

Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster explores the Jewish approach to leadership and lessons from Leviticus.

Elijah and the prophets of Baal

So often in life we prevaricate until it is too late. We don't make decisions when we should, thus enabling bad outcomes.

A new book brings Christians and Jews closer together

As the Jewish community commences the festival of Chanukah on Sunday night, the 8-day festival of the miracle of the lights (and don't forget to listen to the Classic FM Chanukah musical celebration programme on Boxing Day, 9.00 pm), it might seem apt to celebrate a new book which aims to bring Christians and Jews closer together.