Posted by in Uncategorized Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30 We always read Parshat Nitzavim on the Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. This short double Torah portion echoes the themes of this season. If we return in repentance, teshuvah to God, then God will open our hearts and embrace us. In Jewish tradition God is the Force in…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Ki Tavo Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 This week our Torah portion gives us very specific instructions about certain responsibilities of the Israelite nation once they cross over the Jordan River and settle in the Promised Land. This first mitzvah described takes place only after the Children of Israel will settle in the land and plant crops…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Ki Tezei Deuteronomy 21:10 – 25:19 The continued economic dissonance and recession affects millions of people. Many in California and in our own community have lost their homes and jobs. This is more than just fodder for the evening news this is the reality of our friends and neighbors including some of our fellow…Read more »
Posted by in Torah Commentary Parshat Ekev Deuteronomy 7:12 – 11:25 Rabbi Denise L. Eger With preparation almost everything is possible. With the proper training program you can learn to run a marathon or ride a bike 500 miles for charity! It is a matter of discipline. It is a matter of dedication and it is a matter of preparation.…Read more »
Posted by in Uncategorized Parshat V’Etchanan Deuteronomy 3:23 -7:11 Rabbi Denise L. Eger This week’s Shabbat is known as Shabbat Nachamu- the Sabbath of Comfort or Consolation because it is the Shabbat that follows Tisha B’av. Its name comes from the Haftarah portion from Isaiah which begins, “Nachamu Nachamu et ami… Comfort, Comfort My People. The…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 »
Walking Humbly. Seeking Justice. Living with Hope. 