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.