Mary Klaus writes that sincerely asking forgiveness is difficult for most: it is inherently humbling. You have to confront uncomfortable truths about yourself. It is also challenging is that you must prepare yourself to not be forgiven.
Rabbi Sacks asks the question: Why Judaism? In Exodus, at Sinai, our forefathers said, “All that the Lord has spoken we shall do…”. Now, at the end of Moses’ life, he has to ensure that all future generations will also be bound by the covenant.
There is a contradiction in the passage of the 13 attributes, describing God’s compassion, as well as holding descendants responsible for their parents’ wrongdoing.
During Elul, it is a reminder of what it means to be a Jew and to have received the Torah. It is also a wake-up call, a call for yeshivah. To read the whole article, please follow this link:
Rabbi Chaim Ovadia writes an interesting article about the treatment of female captives. He develops the theme that the men in power have the right to violate the female captive, as long as they simply follow certain protocols.
Getting ready for High Holy Days – Please check out this beautiful rendition of Or Zarua by Cantor Marsha Attie
Author Sigal Samuel posted an article on Deuteronomy 22:5, which addresses the Biblical prohibition against cross dressing.
As we approach the High Holy Days, please check out this video recorded by Rabbi Cantor Cheri Weiss entitled “Holy, Holy, Holy” for Yom Kippur.
In Shoftim, Rabbi Sacks teaches us that while some commandments are so narrow that they may not effectively be fulfilled, others are so broad that they cannot be ignored. The laws governing conduct during a siege against an enemy, such as preserving trees, are examples of the latter category.
Re’eh exhorts us to clearly see the choices that are laid out before us and to choose the way of blessing. We are commanded to see because without clear vision we may not be able to distinguish between blessing and curse.