This coming Friday (November 20) at the suggestion of both Jody Goldenberg and Brittany Kahn, we’ll be reading and discussing the essay, “Navigating Turbulent Waters” by Jimmy Liao. In it he discusses his difficult relationship with his father and how it has shaped his approach to life. For me the essay raises two issues: the ways in which difficult family relationships influence us, and the ways in which we respond to the turbulent times in our life. The first issue is particularly fitting since the weekly Torah portion, Toldot, describes the difficult constellation of relationships among Isaac, Rebecca, and their twin sons, Esau and Jacob. These strained relationships will influence the course of Jewish history. And while Liao, the essayist recommend a “go with the flow” approach to life, our biblical ancestors believed in taking matters in to their own hands, which seems to be the opposite approach. I look forward to exploring these ideas with you on Friday night.
17 Nov
Family Influences
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