“You must not hand over, to his master, a slave who has taken refuge with you from his master.” (Deuteronomy 23:16) The chuppah, or Jewish wedding canopy, represents the household … Continued
Parashat Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)
“Then the Lord said to me, ‘“They have done well in speaking thus.’” (Deuteronomy 18:17) Parashat Shoftim focusses on the centrality of law in a just society. Each of the … Continued
Parashat R’eih (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:12)
“For there will never cease to be needy ones in your land, which is why I command you: open your hand to the poor and needy kinsman in your land.” … Continued
Parashat Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)
“Do not be terrified of them, for God, your God in your midst, is a great and awesome God.” (Deuteronomy 7:21) Parashat Eikev commands “You will eat and you will … Continued
Parashat Va-etchanan (Deut. 3:23-7:11)
“Let me, I pray, cross over and see the good land on the other side of the Jordan, that good hill country, and the Lebanon.” (Deuteronomy 3:23) Last week, Moses … Continued
Parashat Chukat-Balak (Numbers 19:1-25:9)
“As Balaam looked up and saw Israel encamped tribe by tribe, the spirit of God came upon him.” (Numbers 24:2) We read two parashot (portions) this week because of how … Continued
Parashat Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32)
“And your uplifted donation shall be regarded by you as the grain from the threshing floor and the fullness of the wine press.” (Numbers 18:27) Imagine: a wealthy member of … Continued
Parashat Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89)
“May the Lord’s face shine upon you and be gracious to you.” (Num. 6:25) “No justice, no peace!” is being chanted across the land this week, providing an unsettling soundtrack … Continued
Shabbat and Shavuot (Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17)
Because Shavuot falls on Thursday and Friday, the cycle of weekly Torah readings is interrupted by a special holiday selection. Akdamut Milin, an 11th century mystical poem in Aramaic is … Continued
Parashat B’midbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20)
“The Children of Israel did everything that the Lord commanded Moses, so did they do.” (Numbers 1:54) Parashat B’midbar opens the fourth book of the Torah, also called B’midbar, in … Continued