Shir HaMa’alot by Jacqueline Rafii

Musical Treats:  Shir HaMa’alot by Jacqueline Rafii

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis: Ki Tavo We must be happy

Rabbi Mirvis speaks of the intriguing concept that we must worship God with happiness. The text isn’t addressing the non-worshippers, but the worshippers themselves and how they do it. This alone can divide a community. Another perspective is that the non-worship activities are carried out with joy.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z/l: Ki Tavo Freedom Means Telling the Story

Covenant societies don’t worship tradition for tradition’s sake, or value the past because it’s old.  It is the focus on past events that lead to the collective efforts to create a society, in an act of moral commitment.  They exist to honor a pledge.  The USA is a supreme contemporary example.