Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Mishpatim Exodus 21:1 -4:18 This week’s portion Mishpatim according to tradition is the continuation of the commandments God gave to the Children of Israel. We often think that the conversation at Sinai ended with the Ten Responsibilities between God and the Jewish People and Moses. But when we read the whole story of which…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 »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Yitro Exodus 18:1-20:23 Who would have thought that after the miracle of the crossing of the Reed Sea that God would follow up with additional miracles? But miracles abound. This week’s portion, Yitro, is the ultimate high point in the journey to freedom for the Israelites. This week is the moment at Sinai when…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Beshallach Shabbat Shirah Exodus 14: 1 – 17:16 This is the week of crossing through the Yam Suf: the Sea of Reeds. This is the week of the miracle at the shore. This is the week of rescue. This is the week of singing and dancing. This is the week of the…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Va-Era Exodus 6:2 -9:35 The beginning of 2011 coincides this year with Shabbat. At midnight on Shabbat a new decade, the second of the 21st Century, will be ushered in. Whenever there is a New Year whether Jewish or secular there is a heightened sense of promise and hope. As the secular New Year…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Shemot Exodus 1:1-6:1 We begin an entirely new book of the Bible this week. This is the story of the Jewish people’s enslavement in Egypt and their liberation. It is the beginnings of the nation of the People of Israel. We meet Moses who as an infant is adopted into Pharaoh’s home. The Pharaoh,…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayeshev Genesis 37:1-40:23 As we Americans prepare for our Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, family issues always come to the foreground. The Norman Rockwell paintings of happy families sitting around festive holiday tables come to mind. And for some families that is what this holiday will be about. Everyone will come together, laugh and enjoy…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayishlach Genesis 32:4 -36:43 In this week’s Torah portion, Vayishlach, our patriarch Jacob is finally returning to the land of his father Isaac, the land of Canaan after a long sojourn in the land of his mother’s family. He left for his Uncle Laban’s house as an individual but he is returning to the…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Vayetze Genesis 28:10-32:3 “What goes around comes around.” It is a phrase we all have heard. This week our patriarch Jacob has this experience. What he did to others is now foisted upon him. In last week’s parasha, Toledot, Jacob deceives his father by dressing as his brother Esau to receive the birthright and…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Toledot Genesis 25:19-28:9 Rabbi Denise L. Eger This week’s Torah portion, Parshat Toledot focuses on the second patriarch Isaac and his family life with Rebekkah and the birth of their two sons, Esau and Jacob. In the adventures of Isaac we hear echoes of his father Abraham’s life. Abraham’s wife, Sarah is unable to…Read more »
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 