Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Roots
In her blog, Rabbi Barenblat muses about the ancient agrarian traditions that resulted in the rituals with the etrog and the 4 species, whether they relate to parts of the body, or the agricultural prayer for rain.
Rabbi Rachel Barenblat: Ki Tavo Together We Shine
Rabbi Barenblat writes about Deuteronomy 26:15 – “Look down from Your holy abode, from the heavens”. She considers the meaning of the Ishbitzer, who saw God observing the community as a whole, one person clarifying another. What does it mean for one person to clarify another?
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, z’l: Ha’Azinu The Inheritance that Belongs to Everyone
The idea that Torah knowledge belongs to everyone, that education should be universal, is one of the most powerful ideas in Jewish history. So many societies, religious and secular, control access to knowledge, either through finances or technical vocabulary, in direct contrast to Judaism.
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.
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.
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.