Rabbinic Reflections: Issue 222dy
August 16, 2024 - 12 Av 5784
Parasha VaEtchanan - Unlocking the Torah
Guest author - Diana Yacobi
Dear Friends,
We are between rabbis for the month of August, so we are going to be creative in how we hold our services and share some reflections with you.
This Shabbat, we are pleased to welcome to Rabbi Joshua Shorr back to the Bimah. Celebrating Shabbat morning is a lovely way to start your weekend, so please join us. As always, the service will be broadcast over Zoom and be followed by a Kiddush luncheon, so we hope you to see you then.
In Unlocking the Torah Text, by Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, Rabbi Goldin highlights the themes in this week’s parashah, which range from the mundane issues of community life to the core spiritual teachings of the Torah.
The parashah begins with Moshe’s personal plea to enter the land, which he was denied, and then shifts to the restating of the Ten Commandments with their lofty and unique obligation to know God by observing His laws, accepting God as a Devine being beyond images and idols, and then defining laws for community life.
It continues by designating three cities in Transjordan, which are to serve as cities of refuge for individuals convicted of negligent homicide.
The parashah concludes with the first paragraph of the Shema, which follows the repetition of the Ten Commandments. Incorporated by the Rabbis into the daily prayers and one of the first prayers taught to children, it states the fundamental ideas of Jewish thought. These include a declaration of God’s oneness, the commandment to love and worship God, study and teach Torah, put on Tefillin, and put a Mezuzah on our doorposts and gates, once again offering a blend of spiritual obligations with everyday tasks to help us nurture our spiritual lives.
Shabbat Shalom,
Diana Yacobi
P.S. We have two more Shabbatot before Rabbi Strom begins to share his reflections with us, so we would like to invite you to share your reflections on the weekly Parasha with the community. If you would like to write an article, please contact Craig in the synagogue office. Thanks!
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August 16, 2024 - 12 Av 5784
Parasha VaEtchanan - Unlocking the Torah
Guest author - Diana Yacobi
Dear Friends,
We are between rabbis for the month of August, so we are going to be creative in how we hold our services and share some reflections with you.
This Shabbat, we are pleased to welcome to Rabbi Joshua Shorr back to the Bimah. Celebrating Shabbat morning is a lovely way to start your weekend, so please join us. As always, the service will be broadcast over Zoom and be followed by a Kiddush luncheon, so we hope you to see you then.
In Unlocking the Torah Text, by Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, Rabbi Goldin highlights the themes in this week’s parashah, which range from the mundane issues of community life to the core spiritual teachings of the Torah.
The parashah begins with Moshe’s personal plea to enter the land, which he was denied, and then shifts to the restating of the Ten Commandments with their lofty and unique obligation to know God by observing His laws, accepting God as a Devine being beyond images and idols, and then defining laws for community life.
It continues by designating three cities in Transjordan, which are to serve as cities of refuge for individuals convicted of negligent homicide.
The parashah concludes with the first paragraph of the Shema, which follows the repetition of the Ten Commandments. Incorporated by the Rabbis into the daily prayers and one of the first prayers taught to children, it states the fundamental ideas of Jewish thought. These include a declaration of God’s oneness, the commandment to love and worship God, study and teach Torah, put on Tefillin, and put a Mezuzah on our doorposts and gates, once again offering a blend of spiritual obligations with everyday tasks to help us nurture our spiritual lives.
Shabbat Shalom,
Diana Yacobi
P.S. We have two more Shabbatot before Rabbi Strom begins to share his reflections with us, so we would like to invite you to share your reflections on the weekly Parasha with the community. If you would like to write an article, please contact Craig in the synagogue office. Thanks!