הברכהוזאת |V’zot Hab’rachah

Jacqueline Nicholls, England

Moses’s leadership is rooted in teaching, rebuking, and blessing with words. The importance of using words over physical action is exemplified by the gravity of his punishment. He must die in the wilderness, prohibited from entering the land he has journeyed to, and is only permitted to gaze at the land with his perfect vision. He does not inherit the Land. Why? Because when commanded to speak to a rock to produce water, he hit the rock instead. He chose physical action over the words of his mouth. 

Professional Background  Jacqueline Nicholls is an artist and Jewish educator who has exhibited in solo exhibits and significant contemporary Jewish Art group shows in Europe, the US, and Israel. She teaches at the London School of Jewish Studies and is an arts programmer at JW3, the London Jewish Community Centre. Nicholls is a regular contributor to BBC Radio’s show, “Pause for Thought.”