Posted by in Uncategorized Last week the World Union for Progressive Judaism published my commentary on Parshat Shemot, the first Torah portion in the book of Exodus. Here is the video they made https://www.facebook.com/wupjudaism/videos/709873530667909 And here is the written commentary https://wupj.org/library/uncategorized/56798/a-good-name-parashat-shemot/
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Toledot Genesis 25:19-28:9 This week’s Torah portion is Toledot. Toledot means generations. It focuses on the life of Isaac and on the birth of his twin sons Esau and Jacob. Interesting the Torah portion actually revolves around food! Perhaps that is one of the ironies this week as we celebrate our Thanksgiving feasts.…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1-25:28 This week’s Torah portion, although named the life of Sarah opens with news of her death and the purchase of her burial place in the Cave of Machpelah which you can still visit in Hebron, Israel. Today let us remember our great Mother –Sarah who was first of the four…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Devarim Deuteronomy 1:1 -3:22 This week we begin reading the last book of the Torah, Deuteronomy. Moses begins to retell the story of the Children of Israel. He recounts the journey from Egypt to the eastern shore of the Jordan River. This is the beginning of his final speech to the people, to this…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Maasei Numbers 33:1-36:23 We have come to the end of the book of Numbers with this week’s parasha, Maase’ei. It is most often paired with last week’s portion Mattot, but separated in a leap year. The Portion begins with the recounting of the journey of the Children of Israel: “These are the marches of…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Mattot Numbers30:2 -32:42 It is summer and families gather for wedding celebrations. In most wedding celebrations everyone looks forward to the couples’ vows. Will they write their own? Will they use traditional vows? Of course the vow is their pledge of loyalty and love. But the idea of a vow is not one that…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Pincus Numbers 25:10-30:1 There are no more dreaded words from the doctor, ‘There’s nothing more that I can do.” For the doctor who has exhausted her medical expertise in the efforts to heal a patient it is a moment of anguish. For the patient who hears those words-the world and time stop. For the…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Balak Numbers 22:2 -25:9 This week’s portion features one of the few talking animals in the Bible: a talking donkey! Balaam a divine interpreter and astrologer is sent for by the King of Moab to curse the Israelites who are on their way to the Promised Land. After trying to get out of the…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Chukat Numbers 19:1-22 In this week’s Torah portion, Chukat, we encounter the deaths of both Aaron and Miriam. Moses and his siblings were the leaders of the people Israel on their journey to the Promised Land. Of course Aaron was named High Priest and Miriam was called the N’viah, the prophetess. Each had their…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Today on Shabbat we contemplate the meaning of commandment. What does it mean to be commanded in this day and age? Of course the Torah portion for today is Yitro. God gives the Ten Commandments to the people Israel. In Hebrew they are called Aseret HaDibrot. The Ten Sayings. Or as I like to call…Read more »
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 