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.
A unique commentary probing the psychological, philosophical, ethical and spiritual themes found in each weekly portion. The commentaries touch our souls, and reveal the depths of traditional, contemporary, and Chassidic/Kabbalistic sources. A rare, compelling, and uplifting work.
Eleven months is the traditional period of mourning. But Elul also brings light – the light that comes from self-examination and soul searching.
Rabbi Sacks addresses the conundrum of Moses’ commands regarding the Egyptians vs the Amalekites: The Egyptians enslaved the Israelites and attempted to drown every male child. Yet one instruction is to “…not despise an Egyptian because you were strangers in his land.” The Amalekites attacked once and were successfully repelled, yet the second command is to “blot out the name.” Rabbi Sacks applies the concept of conditional love to hate. Conditional love only lasts as long as the particular condition. Likewise, when hate has a rational basis it can end, whereas unconditional hatred cannot be reasoned with.
Rabbi Sacks cites several midrashim regarding the mitzvah of tzedakah: If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites…be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. The concept of tzedakah is not “charity”. Charity is voluntary, whereas tzedakah is compulsory. Rabbi Sacks states that the nearest English equivalent is social justice, not charity.
Rabbi Sacks cites several midrashim regarding the mitzvah of tzedakah: If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites…be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need. The concept of tzedakah is not “charity”. Charity is voluntary, whereas tzedakah is compulsory. Rabbi Sacks states that the nearest English equivalent is social justice, not charity.
Rabbi Ruditsky introduces the parashah with the statement: “we need to look much more than just see.” We need to “see” as Adam and Eve did when they ate the fruit and “their eyes were opened”. Moses key point is to encourage Israel to perceive the role of Torah on a much deeper level than just words on a page.
Senior Cantor Dan Mutlu sings Bruch’s Kol Nidre, accompanied by cellist and Central member Julian Schwarz.
Igael Gurin-Malous writes about the commandment to love—how does one fulfill a commandment to love another, especially one is is different, a.k.a., the stranger? He observes that the Torah recognizes an important truth: if we love those around us then we will ensure that as the laws change, they will do so according to love.
Moses teaches the new generation that the 40 years in the wilderness was not the ultimate challenge. That comes when everyone’s needs are met—when the spiritual challenges begin. Civilizations decline when the population loses its social solidarity and become weakened before potential enemies.