And Moshe went

                 (Deuteronomy 31:1)

Elul 24, 5777/September 15, 2017

The second of this week's double Torah reading of Nitzavim-Vayelech, begins with the enigmatic words, "And Moshe went..." (Deuteronomy 31:1) Enigmatic because Torah does not inform us either as to where Moshe was heading, nor from where he was coming, nor is there a shadow of a hint as to why Torah deems this information relevant. Insight into the enigma is, of course provided by commentators throughout the centuries, equally perplexed, as are we, by the Torah's sharing of what appears to be the beginning, but not the end, of a thought.

United We Stand

Standing during the playing of the national anthem is a solemn show of respect.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Nitzavim-Vayelech (נצבים/וילך | Standing/He went)

Torah: Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30

Haftarah: Isaiah 61:10-63:9

Gospel: Luke 24:1-12/Luke 24:13-43

Rejoice with all the good that HaShem, your G-d, has granted you!

(Deuteronomy 26:11)

Elul 17, 5777/September 8, 2017

Simchah - joy - happiness - is referred to sixteen times throughout the five books of Torah. Twelve of those mentions occur in the book of Devarim - Deuteronomy. Thirteen of the times simchah - joy, or a form of the word simchah, is called upon are directly related to the Holy Temple and the commandment of coming to see G-d three times a year during the appointed seasons. Every time simchah is referred to in Deuteronomy it is connected to "the place which G-d will choose" - the place of the Holy Temple. The Hebrew language has many words for joy and happiness, and each word reflects upon a unique embodiment of happiness, but only the word simchah enjoys so exclusive a connection to the Holy Temple, and to the pilgrim's experience of coming to Jerusalem, and ascending to the Holy Temple with his family and with his offerings and basking together in the presence of G-d.

A Heart to Know

It's possible to experience God's miracles and still not know Him at all.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Ki Tavo (כי תבוא | When you come in)

Torah: Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8

Haftarah: Isaiah 60:1-22

Gospel: Luke 23:26-56

You shall not forget!

                  (Deuteronomy 25:19)

Elul 10, 5777/September 1, 2017

"Therefore, it will be, when HaShem your G-d grants you respite from all your enemies around you in the land which HaShem, your G-d, gives to you as an inheritance to possess, that you shall obliterate the remembrance of Amalek from beneath the heavens. You shall not forget!" (Deuteronomy 25:19)

This week's Torah reading, Ki Teitzei, opens with war, ("When you go out to battle..." ibid 21:10) and concludes with the call to anihilate, militarily and spiritually, the iconic enemy of Israel, G-d, and humanity: Amalek. Between that call to battle and this call to battle parashat Ki Teitzei presents a tour de force of commandments, running the gamut from personal responsibilities, responsibilities to society at large, and responsibilities to G-d. Precisely against this vast array of commandments signifying who we are and our eternal bond to the G-d of Israel, the sombre commandment to obliterate Amalek stands out as a stark ultimatum. Particularly curious is the precondition stated that the war against Amalek will commence in earnest only after "HaShem your G-d grants you respite from all your enemies around you in the land which the HaShem, your G-d, gives to you as an inheritance to possess." Respite? Peace and quiet? Who wants to go to war when there is no one attacking you, trying to take your land, your livestock, your loved ones?

Stoning Rebellious Children

Does God really expect us to stone our rebellious children to death? Lucky for many of us, our parents didn't observe that law.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Ki Tetze (כי תצא | When you go forth)

Torah: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-10

Gospel: Luke 23:1-25

Justice, justice shall you pursue!

                      (Deuteronomy 16:20)

     Elul 3, 5777/August 25, 2017

"Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live and possess the land HaShem, your G-d, is giving you." (Deuteronomy 16:20)

This week's Torah reading, Shoftim (judges) makes no bones about it. The nation of Israel's survival in the land of Israel is foundationed upon the pursuit of justice. The word justice (tzedek) repeated in our above quoted verse, makes it emphatically clear that attainment of justice must be pursued emphatically and relentlessly.

Clear Boundaries

One who says, "What's mine is mine is mine and what's yours is mine" is a wicked person.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Shoftim (שופטים | Judges)

Torah: Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9

Haftarah: Isaiah 51:12-52:12

Gospel: Matthew 26:47-27:10