Who Were Ephraim and Menasseh? - Rabbi Leah Fein - January 2, 2026

For thousands of years, Jewish parents and parental-figures have been saying this exact same blessing. So who were Ephraim and Menasseh, that the Torah warrants blessing our children in their names each Shabbat eve? We are living through what feels like an inflection point in the history of American Jewry. Antisemitism is sharply on the rise and the broader Jewish community is splintered, especially on Israel and Zionism. All of this raises big, existential questions: What are we supposed to do with this change that we are experiencing as Jews living in foreign lands? Where is it leading us? Where has it come from?In the Spring, Wilshire Boulevard Temple is hosting two major speakers who will share their own insights and help us to think through these questions and more:March 12-14, we will welcome Donniel Hartman, president of the Shalom Hartman Institute, as our Scholar-in-Residence. Donniel’s latest book is “Who Are the Jews—And Who Can We Become?”On April 15, Sarah Hurwitz will be in conversation with Rabbi Nickerson about her new book, “As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.” This speaker series is an opportunity for us to engage in high-level conversation, exploration and learning about this unique moment in American Jewish history, and our place within it. As you make your resolutions for 2026, I highly recommend adding Donniel and Sarah’s newest books to your reading lists. Please visit wbtla.org for more information on this series.Each week, a member of the clergy offers their personal perspective on a topic of their choice, such as the week's Torah portion, a Jewish holiday, ritual, custom, or history. Facebook: Wilshire Boulevard TempleWebsite: wbtla.orgYoutube: Wilshire Boulevard TempleInstagram: wilshireboulevardtemple