Torah Insights

Rabbi Adam Ruditsky: Parashat Nitzavim-Vayeilech

Rabbi Ruditsky addresses the concept of T’shuvah, as described by Isaiah—idolatry and mistreatment of others—raising the issue of social concerns in the community.  The Rabbis connect his message to all generations that follow, reflecting Moses’ message in Nitzavim, that the Covenant applies to everyone, even those who were not, nor will be, present at the occasion. Please follow the link below to read his full article:

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Rabbi Adam Ruditsky Parashat Ki Tavo

Rabbi Ruditsky writes about many aspects of Ki Tavo and the Haftarah portion.  His key theme is about putting yesterday in perspective; we look to tomorrow and the future, but do not forget the past—good and bad.  We take those various aspects with us into the future. 

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Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, zl: Parashat Ki Tavo

Rabbi Sacks addresses the question “Who Am I?”  He writes about God identifying Godself as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob…”.  When Moses wonders who he is, God lets him know that he is essentially an Israelite, although he has spent most of his life to date as an Egyptian or a Midianite.  Thus, identity is also tied to genealogy.  Thus, in Ki Tavo, the Israelites are instructed to say “My father was a wandering Aramean…” when bringing the offering of first-fruits to the priest.  

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Rabbi Adam Ruditsky: Parashat Re’eh

Rabbi Ruditsky focuses on the repetitive theme of social concerns relating to the Shemitah, Kosher laws, and Peah. He connects it to the reference in the Aleinu prayer to perfecting the world under the sovereignty of the Almighty. Among other things, this is analogous to ridding our world of hate and discrimination, aka social action.

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