This week’s parasha tells the story of Balak, the Moabite king who hired the pagan prophet, Bilam to curse the Israelites. Bilam, as the story goes, could only say the words that God put in his mouth. As a result, instead of cursing, he gave us the beautiful blessing: Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov, mishkenotecha Yisrael! […]
Chukat Limerick
Hukkat contains one of the most obscure passages in the Torah – the “Red Heifer.” The text teaches that if a heifer is born that is completely red, it is to be be burned and it’s ashes are to be used for purification rituals- particulary in the case of those who have come in contact […]
Torah Commentary – Korah
The Torah Portion, Korah, continues the theme of questioning and distrust of God’s word by the children of Israel and their leaders. In previous Portions, rebellion and lack of faith have been met with divine punishment. God has commanded that the adult generation of complaining, disbelieving Israelites will not be allowed to enter the Promised […]
Shabbat Commentary – Sh’lach L’cha
This Shabbat, one of my daughters took her oldest daughter to the Bat Mitzah of a friend. My daughter was troubled by the Torah Portion, Sh’lach L’cha, specifically the account of the man who was stoned to death at God’s command for collecting wood on Shabbat. (Numbers 15: 32-36)“What kind of a God is this?” […]
Korach Limerick
This week’s torah portion tells the story of Korach, who tried to wrest power from Moses along with his partners, Dotan and Abiram and 150 other leaders of the community. Korach says: “You’ve gone too far, [Moses], for ALL of the people are holy. Why do you raise yourself up above God’s congregation?” Ultimately, Korach and […]
Shelach Lecha Limerick
In this week’s parasha, Shelach Lecha, Moses sends 12 spies to scout out the land of Canaan. They spend 40 days and nights in the land (a familiar number, yes?) and return bearing fruits – grapes pomegranates and figs so large that it takes two people to carry them. 10 of the spies report that […]
Shabbat Commentary – B’haalot’cha
Travelling is stressful – especially with children. There are instructions to go over (and over!), rules to follow, schedules to coordinate. Mom and Dad are trying to pack the suitcases, load the car. “Did we take the boarding passes, the cell phone charger?” “Are the doors locked?” “Where is Junior’s allergy medicine?”And the kids have […]
Behaalotecha
This week’s parasha, Behaalotecha, picks up a familiar theme for anyone who knows the Jewish community: complaining. The Israelites are learning to deal with realities of life “on the road.”. God provides them with Manna-a mysterious food which appears in the morning and sustains their basic needs. Nonetheless, they crave variety and rise up against […]
Shabbat Commentary – Naso
In this week’s Torah Portion, Naso, God seems to be singling out for special instructions, specific groups among the children of Israel. It’s as though God is taking care of items on a cosmic “To Do” list: Assign tasks for transporting parts of the Mishkan to the Gershon and Merari families (Numbers 4:21-49) Send “impure” […]
Another Naso Limerick: the Priestly blessing
May God bless and guard your sacred space May God’s light fill your being with grace May you always be true So God’s presence shines through And reflect the true peace of God’s face.
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