Haftarah - Wisdom or Whiskey?

A 2000-year-old blend of social, spiritual and political wisdom.
 
The Haftarah is a passage from the Nevi’im (Prophets) that is recited after Torah reading on Shabbat and Festival mornings (and on some afternoons too). The origins of this reading are lost in the mists of time. Was it in response to persecution, polemics or was it part of an ancient educational methodology? Why were these particular chapters or portions chosen? How did this come to be associated with bar-mitzvah and bat-mitzvah celebrations? 

Sadly, for many, the reading of the Haftarah has become an opportunity to escape the shul service and get a schnapps; swapping an 18-year-old single malt for a 2000-year-old blend.

By examining the range of Haftarot that we read – or that we don’t read – we hope to come to a more in-depth understanding of this well known yet overlooked part of our shul experience and shed light on the same issues, human issues, which recur today, thus making the Haftarah one of the most relevant parts of our synagogue service. 

Join Ilana Stein, The Academy and Pine Street Shul - as we explore this blended  2000-year-old social, spiritual and political wisdom.