Irene Lancaster
From Genesis to Exodus: New beginnings at this most unusual of New Years
As the world ushers in 2021 it reflects on a year like no other.
Hanukkah and what it has to do with Joseph and Judah
Chanukah - also known as Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights - comes before Christmas this year, and always coincides with the biblical stories of Joseph.
What does the Old Testament say about caring for the environment?
On issues such as ecology, it is far better that Christians and Jews work together.
An ugly Holocaust memorial in Westminster will do nothing to improve the plight of Britain's Jews
Memorials to dead or dying Jews are always and everywhere political initiatives of control. And as for their 'learning centres', these are simply filled with the latest iteration of political correctness â and nothing whatsoever to do with Jews or Judaism per se.
The Covenant of the Pieces: G-d's promise to Avram and the Jewish people
G-d decides to confuse the common language of humanity, and names the delusional construction 'Bab-el'. So what's it all about?
What exactly does 'Genesis' mean anyway?
There are many explanations for the precise meaning of the Hebrew word with which the Bible begins.
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.