Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: (Not) In My Hands
On October 2, Rabbi Barenblat posted a beautiful writing for what we cannot fix and what we can fix
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Acharei Mot The Scapegoat
The meaning of the text regarding the scapegoat is puzzling. The term Azazel only appears in this parashah. Several theories regarding its meaning are: “a steep rocky place”, “a desolate area”, which imply death, or to a demon, Azazel. Finally, it could also simply be a compound noun meaning “the goat that was sent away”. Sages and scholars diverge on the purpose of this unique rite for washing away sins.
Rabbi Jonthan Sacks, z’l: Nitzavim-Vayelech Leadership: Consensus or Command?
Rabbi Sacks comments on the textual nuances of the verb “to bring”: Moses tells Joshua to “go with” the people—tavo. God says to Joshua “you will bring the Israelites…and I…will be with you” – tavi. Despite the slight nuances, the phrases are very different. Rabbi Sacks refers to Rashi: Moses instructs Joshua to ensure that “the elders of the generation are with you.” In contrast, God implies that he is to bring them into the land that God promised them, even if against their will.
Musical Treats: Selichot Prayers
The parashah begins with gratitude for an abundant harvest, but the pivotal focus is on the dichotomy of blessings and curses that are encompassed by the daily lives of the Israelites, and by extension, into the lives of all who engage in the teachings.
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.
New Book Release – Torah Travels
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.
Rabbi Daniel Bouskila: Sephardic Torah from the Holy Land Eleven Months Later, Elul is Here…Finally
Eleven months is the traditional period of mourning. But Elul also brings light – the light that comes from self-examination and soul searching.
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Ki Teitse Two Types of Hate
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.