Red, Red Stuff

Jacob has a bad reputation for cheating Esau out of his birthright. Preachers scold Jacob as a deceiving trickster, but is that really the Torah's point? Let's examine this story more carefully.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Toldot (תולדות | Family history)

Torah: Genesis 25:19-28:9

Haftarah: Malachi 1:1-2:7

Gospel: Luke 3:1-18

Jesus used known Rabbinic techniques for reasoning through Scripture

"And as he taught in the temple complex, Jesus began to ask, 'How is it that the scribes say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself said in the Holy Spirit:

"The LORD said to my Lord, 'Sit at My right hand, until I put your enemies under your feet.'" [Psa 110:1]

David himself calls him "Lord," so in what sense is the Messiah [David's] son?' And the large crowd enjoyed listening to him" (Mark 12:35-37).

Blessed is HaShem, G-d of my master, Avraham

(Genesis 24:27)

Cheshvan 21, 5778/November 11, 2017

Chayei Sara, (The Life of Sara), this week's Torah reading, opens and closes with two of the most seminal and formative life events, not only for Avraham, Sara and Yitzchak, but for the entire nation of Israel, throughout all the generations. These are the death of Sara and her burial in the cave of Machpelah, purchased by Avraham from Ephron the Hittite, and, at parasha'send, the marriage of Yitzchak to Rivkah. These two events are unrivaled in their significance for the children of Avraham and Sara. They define who we are to this very day. Yet by far, the vast majority of the verses which make up Chayei Sara are dedicated to a man whose name is not mentioned once in the parasha; a man who is not a son of Avraham and who does not share in the inheritance of Avraham.

Jesus, the Scribe, and the Foremost Commandment

"One of the scribes came and heard [Jesus and some Sadducees] debating, and recognizing that [Jesus] had answered them well, asked him, 'What commandment is the foremost of all?' Jesus answered, 'The foremost is, "Hear O Israel! The LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength [Deu 6:4,5]" The second is this, "And you shall love your neighbor as yourself [Lev 19:18]" There is no other commandment more foremost than these.' The scribe said to him, 'Right, Teacher; You have stated truthfully that He "is one," and "There is no one else besides Him" [Deu 4:35]. And to "love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength," and to "love one's neighbor as himself," is much more than all "burnt offerings and sacrifices' [1Sam 15:22; Psa 40:6; Hos 6:6]” When Jesus saw that [the scribe] had answered intelligently, he said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' After that, no one would venture to ask [Jesus] any more questions" (Mar 12:28-34).

Bashert: The Real Soul Mate

In our culture, we believe that a person should marry whoever he or she falls in love with. This is a bad plan. It is possible to fall in love with the wrong person. It is possible to fall in love with many wrong persons.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Chayei Sarah (חיי שרה | Sarah's life)

Torah: Genesis 23:1-25:18

Haftarah: 1 Kings 1:1-31

Gospel: Matthew 2:1-23

The Sin of Sodom

For what great sin did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone?

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Vayera (וירא | He appeared)

Torah: Genesis 18:1-22:24

Haftarah: 2 Kings 4:1-37

Gospel: Luke 2:1-38

HaShem will see

(Genesis 22:14)

Cheshvan 14, 5778/November 4, 2017

In last week's Torah reading we meet Avraham, a complete unknown, whom G-d calls upon to "Lech lecha," to leave Haran and head for Canaan, a land he's never been to to forge a relationship with and establish a covenant with G-d.

Slowly, we begin to get glimpses of who Avraham is, insights into his character, and an understanding of why G-d chose him to be the father of a future nation dedicated to the establishment of and the spreading of the knowledge of G-d's presence on earth.

Melchizedek's Banquet

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine"

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Lech Lecha (לך לך | Go forth)

Torah: Genesis 12:1-17:27

Haftarah: Isaiah 40:27-41:16

Gospel: Matthew 1:1-17

Fixing a Broken World

Why does God punish sin? Why does He care what we choose to do? Why should our personal choices be judged?

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Noach (נח | Noah)

Torah: Genesis 6:9-11:32

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:1-55:5

Gospel: Luke 1:5-80

IS TITHING ONLY AN "OLD TESTAMENT" COMMANDMENT?

Tithing is not a "New Testament" commandment of God. And the early Jewish Christians did not tithe to their local congregations. Those Jewish Christians residing in the land of Israel did tithe. They gave of their produce to the Jerusalem temple (10%), Jerusalem city merchants (10% every first, second, fourth, and seventh year of a seven year cycle), and local charities (10% every third and sixth year of a seven year cycle). It was the law / Law. To not have done so would have been a sin.

WAS THE LAW GIVEN *ONLY* WITH THE GROSS SINNER IN MIND, TO *ONLY* DEFINE. EXPOSE, AND CONDEMN SIN?

 Please compare the following two passages from the same letter:

"... the Law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, kidnapping-enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine" (1Tim 1:9-11).

Then:

"Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses" (1Tim 5:19).

In the second passage, Paul was applying the Law of Moses within a Christian context:

Noach walked with G-d

                 (Genesis 6:9)

Tishrei 30, 5778/October 20, 2017

Noach was born into a most unpropitious moment in history. G-d was so discouraged by man's misdeeds and corrupt behavior that He was preparing to put an end to what He had hoped would become the jewel in the crown of creation: mankind. And along with mankind, G-d was intending to put an end to all land, air and sea-based creatures. Man's behavior had become so despicable that, simply by evil example, man had succeeded in defiling the animal kingdom. In short, G-d was ready to erase and delete the entire work of His sixth day of creation. But then, we are told in the final verse of last week's Torah reading, Bereshiet, "Noach found favor in the eyes of HaShem." (Genesis 6:8)

The Heavenly Adam

God made Adam "in His image," but what is the image of the invisible God? What, or who, is the image of God?

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

B'reisheet (בראשית | In the beginning)

Torah: Genesis 1:1-6:8

Haftarah: Isaiah 42:5-43:10

Simchat Torah/Shemini Atzeret 5778

Simchat Torah/Shemini Atzeret: Chag Sameach! Tishrei 21, 5778/October 11, 2017 The seventh day of Sukkot, known as Hoshana Rabba, is the climax of Sukkot, and in many ways, the climax of the entire seven week period of intense introspection and spiritual 'body-building' that begins on Rosh Chodesh, the first day of Elul, reaches its first climax on Rosh HaShana, (the first and second day of Tishrei), attains its second pinnacle on Yom Kippur, (the tenth of Tishrei), and reaches its final, crucial, crescendo on Hoshana Rabba, before transforming into the joyful, triumphant celebration of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, the final day of our spiritual journey, at which point we are ready to meet the new year head on and heart on, new and improved versions of ourselves, by virtue of our own hard work and intensive spiritual efforts.

He Negotiated for Forgiveness

Moses knew that he had found favor in God's eyes. By deliberatly identifying himself with Israel, he extended that favor to the whole nation.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

A special portion for Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot is read this Shabbat!

Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot (סוכות שבת חל המועד | Intermediate Day of Sukkot on Shabbat)

Torah: Exodus 33:12-34:26

Haftarah: Ezekiel 38:18-39:16

Chag Sukkot Sameach 5778

Chag Sukkot Sameach - A Joy-filled Sukkot to All! Tishrei 14, 5778/October 4, 2017 Seven days you shall celebrate the Festival to HaShem, your G-d, in the place which HaShem shall choose, because HaShem, your G-d, will bless you in all your produce, and in all the work of your hands, and you will only be happy."(Deuteronomy 16:15) Can G-d really command us to "only be happy?" Yes He can! Can we fulfill this commandment? Being happy isn't a given, and being only happy is ever greater a challenge. But we can surely do it!

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

The Mitzvah of Charity

The Bible teaches us to give generously to those in need. How much should we be giving to the poor and to the work of the kingdom?

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Re'eh (ראה | See)

Torah: Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:11-55:5 (Shabbat Rosh Chodesh: Isaiah 66:1 - 66:24)

Gospel: John 16:1-17:26

See!

                    (Deuteronomy 11:26)

Av 26, 5777/August 18, 2017

"See! I set before you today a blessing and a curse." (Deuteronomy 11:26)

This week's Torah reading, Re'eh! opens with the commandment to "See!"Many times Torah instructs us to listen or to hearken, (Shema!) as a way of performing a commandment or internalizing a message, but this use of the word re'eh - see - is relatively rare.

The Torah understanding of the act of hearing or listening is that it is a process of internalizing intellectually and developing an understanding of what you have heard. "Shema Yisrael" is a commandment to ponder G-d's absolute One-ness and His absolute presence and being-ness in our world. We pronounce these words and contemplate their meaning twice daily, and live our lives accordingly. To listen is to hear, to scrutinize, to study, and ultimately, to live by our conclusions. This discipline of hearing/studying is ever-present in the oral Torah, as well, and in the literature of our sages, whose discourses and debates are often introduced with the words, "Come, listen!"

Forty Years of Preparation

Before God can entrust us with weighty things, He tests us in lighter matters. Life is about learning to recognize and pass the tests.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Ekev (עֵקֶב | Consequence)

Torah: Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25

Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3

Gospel: John 13:31-15:27

Bless HaShem, your G-d, for the good land He has given you

(Deuteronomy 8:10)

Av 19, 5777/August 11, 2017

"For HaShem your G-d is bringing you to a good land, a land with brooks of water, fountains and depths, that emerge in valleys and mountains, a land of wheat and barley, vines and figs and pomegranates, a land of oil producing olives and honey, a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, you will lack nothing in it, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose mountains you will hew copper. And you will eat and be sated, and you shall bless HaShem, your G-d, for the good land He has given you." (Deuteronomy 8:7-10)

How did Moshe know? Moshe had never set foot in the lands of Israel, nor would he. He heard the same report, from the spies he had sent into Canaan to search out the land thirty nine years earlier, that everyone else had heard. From where did he acquire his knowledge? And how did he get it so right?

Honor Your Father and Mother

Help! My kids don't respect me. How to raise children that fulfill the commandment of honoring father and mother.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Va'etchanan (ואתחנן | I pleaded)

Torah: Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11

Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1-26

Gospel: Luke 22:13-38

A special portion for Shabbat Nachamu is read this Shabbat!

Shabbat Nachamu (שבת נחמו | Sabbath of comforting)

Haftarah: Isaiah 40:1-26

Your wisdom and your understanding in the eyes of the peoples

                     (Deuteronomy 4:6)

Av 12, 5777/August 4, 2017

"Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, as HaShem, my G-d, commanded me, to do so in the midst of the land to which you are coming to possess. And you shall keep and do them, for that is your wisdom and your understanding in the eyes of the peoples, who will hear all these statutes and say, 'Only this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' For what great nation is there that has G-d so near to it, as HaShem our G-d is at all times that we call upon Him? And which great nation is it that has just statutes and ordinances, as this entire Torah, which I set before you this day?" (Deuteronomy 4:5-8)

Like the Stars of Heaven

Though the hosts of Israel might seem innumerable as the stars, God knows each person individually. With God, no person is inconsequential. He knows each of us by name.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Devarim (דברים | Words)

Torah: Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22

Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1-27

Gospel: Mark 14:1-16

A special portion for Shabbat Chazon is read this Shabbat!

Shabbat Chazon (שבת חזון | Vision)

Haftarah: Isaiah 1:1-27

The Land of Israel

Every disciple should endeavor to make pilgrimage to visit the land of Israel at least once in his or her lifetime.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Mattot-Massei (מטות-מסעי | Tribes-Journeys)

Torah: Numbers 30:2-36:13

Haftarah: Jeremiah 2:4-28, 3:4

Gospel: Matthew 23:1-39/Matthew 24:1-25:46

Time to Wake Up: Make the Dream a Reality!

Tammuz 27, 5777/July 21, 2017 This week's double Torah reading, Matot-Masei, with which the book of Numbers concludes, brings the children of Israel right up to the doorstep of the land of Israel. Encamped just east of the Jordan River, opposite Jericho, the children of Israel, pumped and primed to enter the land, will have to wait for new leadership to take them across. Moshe, the man who took them out of Egypt, across the Sea of Reeds, to the foot of Mount Sinai, and now to the fields of Moav, will address Israel one last time before passing from this world, and handing the mantle of leadership to Yehoshua bin Nun, the leader whom will orchestrate the conquest of the land of Canaan.

How goodly are your tents, O Ya'akov, your dwelling places, O Israel!

(Numbers 24:5)

Tammuz 13, 5777/July 7, 2017

"He said to him, I won't go, for I will go to my land and to my birthplace."(Numbers 10:30)

"Bilaam arose, went, and returned to his place, and Balak went on his way." (ibid 24:25)

The first verse quoted above records the words of Yitro, the Midianite priest, one of the most beloved figures in Torah. The second verse quoted reflects the actions of Bilaam, the heathen prophet of Midian, among Torah's most reviled characters, and the equally pathetic Balak, king of Moav.

The Man for the Job

If a person desires wisdom, he should spend time with the wise. If he desires to develop in righteousness, he should spend time with righteous people.

THIS WEEK'S TORAH PORTION:

Pinchas (פנחס | Phinehas)

Torah: Numbers 25:10-30:1

Haftarah: 1 Kings 18:46-19:21

Gospel: Mark 11:27-12:37

My covenant of peace

(Numbers 25:12)

Tammuz 20, 5777/July 14, 2017

The story of Pinchas, the son of Elazar, the son of Aharon, after whom this week's parasha, (Torah reading), is named, actually began at the conclusion of last week's reading. This division of the parashot is unique in this way, being the only time throughout the yearly reading of the five books of Torah that a narrative is begun one week and is only concluded the following week. It seems that our sages, of blessed memory, who determined the division of the weekly Torah readings, really wanted to keep us in suspense, as last week's reading of Balak closed with a real cliffhanger: