Parashat Ke Tetse; Deutrronomy 21:10 to 25: 19 Have you ever wondered why the Shabbatot and other Jewish holidays begin in the evening? The rest of the world begins its observances and celebrations in the morning but Jews maintain this odd custom. We begin in the evening. The technical answer to the question is contained in the ordering of the words in […]
Torah Portion Re’eh September 2-3, 2016
29th of Av, 5775 – This week’s Torah portion Re’eh has a one word title. The title opens a series of observations set forth by Moses as he concludes his life’s work. Reading this week’s Torah portion and the entire book of Deuteronomy as an ethical will lends gravitas to the moment. Indeed the book is divided […]
Do the teachings about the Temple (Beit HaMikdash) and the Exile (Galut) Remain Relevant?
Shabbat Devarim/Tisha B’Av, 5776 August 12-13 2016 – This coming Shabbat is the 9th Day of Av, Tisha b-Av. The Shabbat’s Torah reading is the opening of Moses’ oration encompassing most of the book Deuteronomy (Devarim). We will focus on this book next week. Our focus this week is on the “black fast.” This solemn commemoration […]
Pinchas
July 29th, 2016/23 Tammuz 5776 – Pinchas is an extremely problematic figure. The Jewish tradition developed several radically different approaches in teaching about this Torah portion. To bring you up to date. At the end of last week’s Torah portion Pinchas acts as judge, jury, and executioner. In his righteous indignation he kills a prince of […]