Torah Commentary - Lech L'cha

CNN recently aired a segment on "Klout." As defined by the young, earnest CEO of the Klout start-up, Klout is a measure of one's personal and/or professional success based on how effectively one uses social media. So- if your blog has hundreds of followers; you're the subject of thousands of tweets; your Facebook page attracts a million friends; and your video has gone viral; you have a high Klout score. (It doesn't hurt to have been on the cover of numerous "People" magazine and "National Enquirer" issues! Think Klout as in Kardashian.)

What bearing could Klout possibly have on the Torah Portion Lech L'cha?
Abram (later Abraham), whom we meet in Lech L'cha, plays an essential, transformational role in the evolution of Judaism. In today's terminology, we'd call him a "game changer." But, why Abram? Why did God choose this particular descendent of Noah to launch the Judaism of One God that is our eternal belief? Did Abram have some ancient Middle Eastern version of Klout?

While there is a charming Midrash about young Abram smashing the merchandise in his father's idol shop, the Torah doesn't explain God's choice. We don't learn that Abram is well known, or a recognized leader in his time, or famous in any way.
The Portion Lech L'cha begins almost abruptly with God's commandment and a statement of God's Covenant with Abram and his descendents.
"And YHWH said to Abram, 'Go from your land and from your birthplace and from your father's house to the land that I'll show you. And I'll make you into a big nation and I'll bless you and make your name great. And be a blessing.' " (Genesis 12:1-2)*

Without a question, a comment, a complaint, or a proclamation, Abram makes a life-altering commitment and does as God commands. Thus, we learn from Abram's first action that, spiritually, his belief in God is incredibly strong, and he is open to "hearing" and obeying God's commands. From a worldly perspective, we discover that Abram is a man of property, a family man who has assumed responsibility for his dead brother's son, Lot and Lot's family.

As God moves Abram on his groundbreaking journey, Abram's relationship with God grows in depth and complexity.. He acknowledges God's presence by building altars and by invoking God's name. (Genesis 12:8)
At the same time, Abram doesn't surrender his ability to act as an individual and passively allow God to determine his and his familiy's fate. In Egypt, Abram makes a plan to have his wife, Sarai, pose as his sister in order to survive the Egyptians' lustful advances. The plan actually works too well and Sarai is taken to be a wife to Pharaoh. God intervenes with plagues on Pharaoh and Abram, Sarai, and their large household escape unharmed. (Genesis 12:10-20) God and Abram act together here to ensure Abram's survival.

Abram continues to travel and to grow in a patriarchal role. He solves the problem of finding territory for his flocks and Lot's flocks by suggesting that they separate and settle in different parts of the land. (Genesis 13: 5-13)
When Lot and his family are imprisoned by warring kings, Abram organizes a rescue and refuses any compensation from the king of Sodom so as to avoid any obligation to an earthly ruler. (Genesis 14: 13-23)

So far, in Lech L'cha we've seen Abram obey God's commandments and ably look after his family. What we haven't seen is any attempt by Abram to communicate the special relationship unfolding between himself and God. Abram doesn't share his unique status with family members, not even with Sarai. Abram doesn't use God's promise to multiply his descendents into a nation to intimidate kings or to enrich himself in any way. Abram doesn't seek self-promotion or embrace self-importance. He isn't sidetracked into pursuing some ancient form of Klout.
Abram, even now, a role model honored in our prayers, listens, obeys, trusts, believes, and strives to understand how he can fulfill the destiny which God promises.

As Lech L'cha continues, God repeats the Divine Promise to protect Abram's family; to multiply his descendents; and to give them land.
As a symbol of the Covenant, God changes Abram's name to "Abraham" and Sarai's name to "Sarah." In observance of the Covenant, God commands circumcision of all males eight days and older in Abraham's household and in the generations to come. God reveals that Abraham and the aging Sarah will have a son, Isaac.
In the final verses of Lech L'cha, without a word to anyone that he, Abram renamed Abraham by God, is a partner in God's Covenant, Abraham diligently listens, firmly believes, and completely obeys.

Admittedly, it's an immense leap from Klout to Covenant, but here's the take-away. From Abraham's example we learn that God's commandments are fulfilled by acts, not by announcements. It's what we do, not how many we tell that matters. Lech L'cha reminds us that in our hyper-connected, super-social world, it's our Covenant score, not our Klout score that defines who we are.

*From: Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Torah Commentary - Noach

If the Torah Portion B'reishit is Shakespearean in its turbulent interplay of human and divine actions and reactions, the second Portion, Noach, is absolute Disney!
Presenting for your life long learning pleasure - "Noah, The (computer animated) Musical!" (or, as it's been dubbed, "The original Singin' in the Rain.")

As the scene opens, God sadly surveys scenes of human corruption and violence which have tainted the world which only a few verses ago God had pronounced to be "Good." Slowly, God's sadness turns to disappointment, then rage. God resolves to destroy all life on land with the exception of Noah, Noah's family, and pairs of land animals and birds. As the storm clouds gather and lightning flashes, Noah anxiously hammers away at the ark, muttering the measurements and directions God ordered. God points a divine Finger at Noah and sings the opening song, "I Choose You!"
Who's sort of OK in this evil array? - It's Noah!
Who's kind of cool - not nearly as cruel? - It's Noah!
Who's not the worst of a bunch that is cursed? - It's Noah!
Who shall I choose, while the others all lose? It's Noah! Noah, I choose YOU!

Noah, his family, and pairs of really cute animals scramble on board the ark - lots of comic relief here. A monkey resembling the MC in "Cabaret" delivers one-liners, "A donkey, an elephant, and a kangaroo walk into an ark..."
Three furry critters dressed in evening wear play classical music a la "Titanic."
When all are on board and the deluge begins, a charming duck leads all the Arksters in a huge song and dance number, "Noah's Ark."
Chorus:
Noah's Ark is the place to be.
Not lost or tossed or sunk at sea.
For a lucky duck (or goat or guy or bear or mouse) like me.
Yes, Noah's Ark is the surest, safest
Beats-an-oasis, very best place to be!

After days and days and days and days of rollicking, rainy adventures, the waters recede. The soggy passengers who, by now, have had enough of the ark, eagerly scan the skies for the dove's return, singing "Where's That Dove?"
Where is that dove? She isn't above.
Is she stuck in the mire? Did her little wings tire?
Please, dove, find a space, a dry sunny place.
We don't mean to complain, but we've had it with rain!
And Ark life is a pain!
Dove, come out of the haze and we'll all sing your praise-
Oh, where's that dove?!

Finally, the dove returns bearing the olive branch. All disembark and settle on land in a huge dance number. (Think "Chorus Line" with a cast of hundreds - some four-legged.)

God takes center stage in the grand finale,"God's Promise." Noah and family and animals gather 'round and sing along with God as a glorious special effects rainbow fills the screen.
The rainbow is God's promise there won't be another flood.
God will keep us safe and dry and we'll try to be good.
The rainbow is a Covenant between God and earthly beings.
We'll behave so well - What a story we'll tell
Of the wonders that God brings.

Thunderous applause! Standing ovation!

Wait, did I mention the tie-ins?
Happy Meals prizes - "Aardvarks to Zebras, collect the whole set!"
Or the mobile app - "Get Those Angry Birds on Board!"
Or the sequel - "Occupy Earth!"

Torah Study is a genuine blockbuster!

Torah Commentary - B'reishit

The Talmud teaches that "All beginnings are arduous." (Mechilta Yitro) The beginning Torah Portion, B'reishit; our world's Beginning; our Beginning; the Beginning of our relationship with God - all certainly "arduous" (as well as wondrous) on many levels. From the first resoundingly simple seven Hebrew words, B'reishit bara Elohim et ha shamayim v'et ha-aretz,we recognize the intellectual effort, spiritual commitment, and energetic embrace of complexity that the mitzvah La'asok b'dvrei Torah (to engage in the study of Torah) demands.

I have open before me three different Judaic Torah commentaries and one Christian version of the Tanach. Each presents a different English translation of the first seven Hebrew words of B'reishit. Each Judaic commentary offers an explanation of its translation - and this is just the first line in the first of 54 Torah Portions in the yearly cycle! Already, there are questions raised, ancient and modern commentaries to consider, personal connections and conclusions to be drawn - a year's worth of intense study, discussion, and reflection in the first seven Hebrew words of the Torah.

We have yet to even encounter the moon and sun, the Garden of Eden, the animals, Adam, Shabbat, Eve, the snake, banishment from the Garden, Cain and Abel and their many descendents. The drama of Creation swings from God's approval on the Sixth Day, "God then surveyed all that [God] had made, and look - it was good!" (Genesis 1:31)* to God's regret hundreds of generations later "When the Eternal saw how great was the wickedness of human beings in the earth, that the direction of their thoughts was nothing but wicked all the time, the Eternal regretted having made human beings on earth, and was heartsick." (Genesis 6:5-6)*
From primordial chaos to rampant wordly corruption - "arduous," definitely arduous!

How could I hope to effectively introduce my Sixth Grade students to their first Torah Study experience in just twenty minutes of Hebrew School time? I found a solution in a new resource called Experiencing the Torah by Joel Lurie Grishaver, published by Torah Aura Productions www.torahaura.com This book presents sections of the Torah Portions in the form of short plays, using the actual Torah Text (in English translation) as narration and dialogue.
After a brief rehearsal, my students performed expressively as Narrators, Adam, Eve, the Snake, and the most prized role - God!

They giggled a bit as "Adam" recited, "I heard you [God] in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid."
We paused in the performance and discussed that this is exactly what the Torah text says and that Adam's embarassment reveals to God that Adam has indeed eaten from the tree that God had forbidden.
The students excitedly finished performing just in time for dismissal. As I straightened up the classroom, I noticed that one student had spelled out in magnetic English letters on the chalkboard, "God was here!" While the student was referring to himself in his role as "God," the words resonated. Isn't that what Torah study is - a way to bring God into our midst as we struggle to understand how we can live according to the Torah's teaching?

In the Portion B'reishit, Torah begins with seven immensely powerful Hebrew words, and like the Mobius strips which my students made in celebration of Simchat Torah,** Torah never ends. God is here!

Resources:
*Translations are from The Torah: A Modern Commentary, W. Gunther Plaut, General Editor
**This activity is one of several presented in the book, Experiencing the Jewish Holidays by Joel Lurie Grishaver, Torah Aura Productions

Torah Commentary - V'zot Hab'rachah

For a variety of personal reasons, I haven't been able to post commentaries on the last few Torah Portions. Torah Study demands mental focus and dedicated time. Torah Portions aren't for skimming or speed reading. They don't include bullet-point summaries. Key words aren't hi-lited. Torah Portions aren't compatible with multi-tasking! All the while that I was caught up in an anxious tangle of "Urgent Things To Do," I was haunted by Hillel's teaching in Pirkei Avot. "Neither say, when I have leisure I will study; perchance you will have no leisure."
Recognizing that leisure isn't a given for me, I made a Yom Kippur vow to make time, to quite literally push aside obligations, to forcefully clear a sacred space where I could engage in Torah Study. And just in time!

We have come to the final Portion of the Book of Deuteronomy (Sefer D'varim), and Deuteronomy is the final Book in the Torah. In this final Portion, V'zot Hab'rachah, Moses blesses the children of Israel, Tribe by Tribe. God shows Moses the land which the Tribes of Israel will claim and, as God has decreed, Moses dies.
"And Moses was a hundred twenty years old at his death. His eye was not dim and his vitality had not fled."* (Deuteronomy 34:7)*
God buries Moses in an unknown site. Though we're told that, "...a prophet did not rise again in Israel like Moses..." (Deuteronomy 34:10)*, Joshua takes command "...full of the spirit of wisdom; because Moses had laid his hands on him..." (Deuteronomy 34:9)*

Nu...what happens next to the children of Israel? Do they conquer their enemies? Do they thrive in Canaan? Do they follow God's commandments according to Moses' instructions? We answer these questions by our actions everyday. Our lives as Jews are what happens next. We are responsible for upholding our part of the Covenant which God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. As we begin again to study the cycle of Torah Portions, as we begin again to interpret, internalize, and apply God's teachings, we enter a timeless Canaan and continue the story. Am Yisrael Chai!
Moses is gone, but today I came as close as I imagine is possible to hearing Moses' voice. As part of the coverage of the dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, CNN broadcast King's "I Have a Dream" speech in its entirety. The wisdom, passion, and eloquence of Martin Luther King Jr.'s words; the timeless, inspiring images; the message of strength, courage, hope, and opportunity overcoming hostility and bigotry - all echo the spirit of Moses conveying God's message in Deuteronomy.

In the final verses of V'zot Hab'rachah, we and the children of Israel are reminded of the "wonders" that God sent Moses to do in order to free us from slavery in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 34:10-12)

In his 1963 speech to the multitude gathered to march for civil rights, Martin Luther King Jr. irrevocably affirmed for the children of slaves that they had the power to be, "free at last!"

Chazak! Chazak! V'Nitchazeik!

*From: Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Torah Commentary - Ki Tetze

Although the Torah Scroll is gloriously dressed, repeatedly blessed, and read in a ritually prescribed manner, the Torah is not a divine relic. It's a part of our ongoing reality. The Torah teaches us God's commandments for everyday living. Even though our concept of reality changes with time and maturation, we remain humanly flawed and in need of God's direction. In the Torah Portion, Ki Tetze, Moses teaches God's rules for a variety of situations which the children of Israel might encounter in their domestic, commercial, and military interactions as they enter Canaan.

We are taught the proper treatment of a wife taken from among prisoners of war; the punishment for a rebellious son; the imperative for swift burial of a hanged criminal; the prohibition against indifference to a neighbor's loss of property; humane treatment of animals...and this is only a small sampling of the commandments in Ki Tetze!Our reality is very different from that of the children of Israel. However, if we look at the intent, rather than the specific content of Ki Tetze, we find a timeless message of civility, honesty, moderation, justice, respect, compassion.
We're reminded that our experience as slaves in Egypt makes us especially mindful of caring for the stranger and the less fortunate in our communities.
"And you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and YHWH, your God, redeemed you from there." (Deuteronomy 24:18)*

Our reality on this Shabbat Ki Tetze is shaped by our memorial observance of the tragic events of 9/11. We remember the nearly 3000 innocent lives lost in a heinous act of hideously distorted religious and political fanaticism. We remember a dark time when Americans found and continue to find strength and direction in the values exemplified by Ki Tetze.

As Moses spoke to the children of Israel, so Torah speaks to us today. As we study, interpret, and apply God's commandments, we bring Torah into our lives, our reality.
On Shabbat Ki Tetze as we remember 9/11, we, as always, affirm that Torah is alive, Torah endures, and so, as Jews and as Americans, do we.

*From Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Torah Commentary - Shoftim

The Torah Portion, Shoftim, focuses on justice, leadership, and moral responsibility. Conquest, with God's help, and settlement in Canaan are just the beginning. If the children of Israel are to endure as a strong, ethical community, there must be leaders to guide them in the fulfillment of God's commandments - judges, Levite priests, kings, prophets, military officers. God is, of course, the ultimate Leader and sets the limits of power for those who would rule in God's name.

A judge must not take a bribe. (Deuteronomy 16:19)
A king "...shall not get himself very much silver and gold." *(Deuteronomy 17:18)
A levite priest "...shall not have a legacy among his brothers. YHWH: He is his legacy, as He spoke to him."* (Deuteronomy 18:2)
A prophet - "...he'll speak to them everything that I'll command him."* (Deuteronomy 18:18)
An army officer must let soldiers in certain circumstances leave the group poised for battle. (Deuteronomy 20:5-9) and must try to make peace with an enemy city before attacking it. (Deuteronomy 20:10)

Cities of refuge for one who murders accidently and execution by stoning for one who engages in idolatry are both considered just processes in Shoftim.
There is even a process for bringing a "daunting" legal problem "...to the place that YHWH, your God, will choose."* (Deuteronomy 17:8), where a decision will be made by the Levite priests and the judge.

Shoftim includes several especially teachable verses - succinct, meaningful, memorable lines which inspire questions and prompt discussion.
"judgement with justice"* (Deuteronomy 16:18)
"Justice, justice you shall pursue"* (Deuteronomy 16:20)
"so you shall burn away what is bad from among you"* (Deuteronomy 17:7)
"On the word of two witnesses or on the word of three witnesses a case shall stand up."* (Deuteronomy 19:15)
"life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth"* (Deuteronomy 19:21)

In the classroom or study group, ask participants to read a text sheet with these verses in English (and Hebrew, if possible). Also provide each group with a Torah Commentary book. Assign a specific verse to small groups and direct the groups to consider:
What is the context for the verse in Shoftim?
How will the legal or social concept expressed in the verse, impact the Israelite community in Canaan?
Relate the verse to the religious, social, political, economic life of today's Jewish community in America. If, in the opinion of the group, the verse isn't relevant to modern American Jewish life, explain why.

Who would like to begin?!

One further comment - Did you know that Torah study has definite health benefits? Recently, I attended a lecture by a doctor, an expert in geriatrics. He spoke on "Ten Steps to Successful Aging." There it was - Step#5 - "Challenge your mind - use it or lose it!" The suggestions for mental challenges included "Take a class," "Learn something new," "Join a book club."
What better book than the Torah?!
Take one Portion and join me at Jewish Educators' Village, each week.
To your health!

*From Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman.

Torah Commentary - Re'eh

The Torah Portion Re'eh begins with God's words as communicated by Moses. "See: I'm putting in front of you today a blessing and a curse:" (Deuteronomy 11:26)* We learn that we'll receive God's blessing if we listen to (and act upon) God's commandments. We'll be cursed if we don't listen and allow ourselves to be led astray, especially in the direction of idolatry.

Re'eh stresses that we will thrive and be blessed if we actively demonstrate that we are obeying God's laws. Special emphasis is placed on rituals for sacrificial offerings, not at a time or in a place of our choosing, but "...in front of YHWH, your God, in the place that He will choose to tent His name there..." (Deuteronomy 14:23)*

While we no longer offer sacrifices and most of us have no flocks, vineyards, or fields of grain, two important themes of Re'eh, centralized communal worship and eating as a sacred act resonate in modern Jewish practice.

As God promised, the Jewish people have multiplied and established communities around the world. The ancient central sites for worship are gone, but in their place, we've built a multitude of synagogues. Are our synagogues places "of God's choosing?" I believe they are. God has given us the wisdom to interpret the lessons of Torah, to follow and apply God's teaching over millennia of cultural evolution. Our T'fila (prayer), our ritual observances, our Holiday gatherings, our Torah study sessions in our synagogues make them places "of God's choosing" where we can show that we're worthy of God's promised blessing.

In a sense, we even bring "offerings." As a member of a synagogue, we're encouraged to bring our mind, spirit, physical energy, skills, time and money to support the sacred work of the institution.

As for eating, that's a core synagogue activity! Oneg Shabbat, Kiddush lunch, Brotherhood breakfast, classroom snacks, fall barbecue, winter latke party, spring Seder - we come together to enjoy food after we've recited the appropriate blessings which transform a feast or a snack into a sacred act.
"...And you shall eat there in front of YHWH, your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household." (Deuteronomy 14:26)*

We, who are blessed with plenty, are commanded in Re'eh to give to the poor.
"...I command you, saying: you shall open your hand to your brother, to your poor, and to your indigent in your land." (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Here, again, we may look to our synagogue to fulfill this mitzvah as we bring "offerings" to fill food pantry collection bins placed in the synagogue lobby.

The Jewish community continues to study and strive to understand all that God commanded through Moses. We see that the one central sacred place for sacrifices of Re'eh has fragmented into hundreds of synagogues with one sacred purpose, the perpetuation of the Jewish people according to God's commandments.

When we bake challah in the synagogue on Friday morning, arrive for Torah study on Shabbat, bring our children to religious school, gather for Holiday celebrations, and come to T'fila, let's imagine that we're at the head of an infinitely long line of our ancestors - a line which wondrously reaches back to the banks of the Jordan where Moses speaks God's words. It's a blessing for us to SEE that while everything has changed, nothing has changed - like Torah, like God.

Torah Commentary - Ekev

The Torah Portion, Ekev, begins with Moses teaching the children of Israel that if they listen to, observe, and do what God has commanded, they will be God's partners in the covenant which God made with their ancestors. If they behave according to God's laws, God will bless the children of Israel with fertility, prosperity, and strength in overcoming the idolatrous peoples whom they'll encounter as they settle Canaan.

Moses reminds the children of Israel of God's miracles on their behalf and how God sustained and "tested" them in their forty year journey through the wilderness.
(Deuteronomy 8:2)

Moses warns the children of Israel not to become arrogant in their prosperity, but to remember that God is the source of their well-being.
"...and you'll say in your heart:'My power and my hand's strength made this wealth for me.' Then you shall remember YHWH, your God, because He is the one who gave you power to make wealth so as to uphold His covenant that He swore to your fathers- as it is this day." (Deuteronomy 8:17-18)*

Moses firmly points out the times when the children of Israel have disobeyed God's commandments and declares in exasperation, "You have been rebelling toward YHWH from the day I knew you." (Deuteronomy: 9:24)* In describing the many times when they have failed to follow God's laws, Moses characterizes the children of Israel as "rebellious," "hard-necked," "corrupt," sinful, distrustful, wicked, and prone to the influence of idol-worshipping neighbors.

Yet,despite this acknowledgement of their faults, Moses provides clear instructions for how the children of Israel are to settle and thrive in the land which God has promised them:
"And now, Israel, what is YHWH, your God, asking from you except to fear YHWH, your God, to go in all His ways, and to love Him and to serve YHWH, your God, with all your heart and all your soul, to observe YHWH's commandments and his laws that I command you today to be good for you." (Deuteronomy 10:12-13)*

Does Moses succeed in teaching and convincing the children of Israel to improve their behavior, to follow all that God has commanded, so that they will posses and prosper in the Promised Land?

Look around! America is a great country in many ways. Modern Israel is proud and thriving. But, can we, the descendents of the children of Israel, honestly say we've reached the Promised Land? Or - are we still struggling to fulfill our role in the covenant, to follow God's commandments, and to leave the wilderness behind?

How close are we to the Promised Land? We still stand with the children of Israel
waiting to cross over. We are still learning from Moses, from Torah to listen, to observe, and to do.
We're not there yet!

*From Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

On a personal note - This past Shabbat I had the pleasure of studying Torah with a close friend. While we have been friends for 50 years, this was the first time on our respective Jewish journeys that Torah study was a naturally engaging part of our conversation.
Where Torah study is concerned, there are no missed opportunities, only opportunities waiting for the right moment.

Inspired by Pirkei Avot

For many years, my husband has studied with pre-B'nai Mitzvah students and guided them in the preparation of their D'vrei Torah. Two of his recent students expressed an interest in further text study, so my husband prepared a lesson on Pirkei Avot (The Ethics of the Fathers). As part of their exploration of this body of Jewish wisdom, he asked them to create a Teaching in the spirit of Pirkei Avot. The results deserve to be shared. (The students are identified by their initials.)

The Teaching of A.J.
"If you don't recognize change in the world, then nothing is different."

The Teaching of D.S.
"Stay on task even when it seems difficult for someday it will help you."

The Sages of Pirkei Avot would be proud!

Torah Commentary - Va-Etchannan

I have four words to introduce the Portion, Va-Etchannan - "midrash" and "back-to-school."

Let's start by making a midrash. A midrash (plural-midrashim) is a story commentary which Rabbis throughout the ages have created to "fill in the blanks" in the Torah narrative and to answer perplexing questions which the narrative raises. In the opening lines of Va-Etchannan, Moses reveals that he has pleaded with God to allow him to cross into Canaan and that God's refusal was blunt in its finality.
"...you have much. Don't go on speaking to me anymore of this thing." (Deuteronomy 3:26)*

We know God decreed that because Moses struck the rock in the wilderness of Zin (Numbers 20: 9-11), he was destined to die before the Israelites crossed into Canaan. It seemed that Moses had accepted his fate - and yet here in Va-Etchannan, Moses pleads with God to change God's mind! Why? What caused Moses to ask God to reconsider?

Just as the Rabbis put forth midrashim, so we (and our students) can devise one, like this:
A Midrash For Va-EtchannanThe children of Israel knew no other leader but Moses. Many began to express alarm that Moses wouldn't be with them as they faced the challenges of settling in Canaan. Imagine their worried voices...
"We're afraid, Moses. There are battles ahead and so many of God's rules to follow and all the tasks of caring for our families in the land that God promised us."

"You've always told us God's word. You speak directly to God for us. Can Joshua do this? Who knows?"

"Please, Moses, talk to God again and beg God to let you come with us, just for a little while."

"We really need you. Don't leave us. Please. Please. Please!"

And Moses, moved by the heartfelt pleas of the children of Israel, speaks again to God, not on his own behalf, but for the children of Israel, his people,as it is told
in Deuteronomy 3:23-25.
Moving from midrash to Torah narrative, we learn that God answers, but Moses' fate remains unchanged.

Having confirmed that his time is growing short, Moses launches into a vigorous re-teaching of God's commandments.
"And now, Israel, listen to the laws and to the judgments that I'm teaching you to do, so that you'll live, and you'll come and take possession of the land that YHWH, your fathers' God, is giving you." (Deuteronomy 4:1)*

What follows is an intense review of the major events, most life-shaping laws, and key principles of behavior which arose from the children of Israel's encounters with God in the wilderness. It's back-to-school time and Moses must teach his final lessons!

Like any good teacher, Moses recognizes that his students, the children of Israel, don't always grasp complex ideas the first time around; that they may not have listened carefully; that they were spiritually, but not physically present in Egypt or at Mount Sinai; that as they plunge ahead into new experiences, they may not remember all of what was taught previously. Therefore, in Va-Etchannan, Moses repeats, re-phrases, reviews, recounts, reinforces, encourages, and warns.
Moses warns of the dire consequences of practicing idolatry. He recounts vivid descriptions of God's power and God's covenant with the children of Israel. Moses repeats a version of the Ten Commandments and reminds the children of Israel of God's mercy and love for them if they fulfill God's commandments. Moses reviews the locations of the cities of refuge "...for the manslayer who would slay his neighbor without knowing..." (Deuteronomy 4:42)*
Moses reinforces and encourages the children of Israel in their belief in One God. We are encouraged and strengthened by Moses very words in the Sh'ma and V'Ahavta prayers which are taken from Va-Etchannan. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

In the final lines of Va-Etchannan, Moses sums up the relationship between God and the children of Israel - a stern and memorable take-away!
"Therefore you shall know that YHWH, your God, He is God, the faithful God, keeping the covenant and kindness for those who love Him and who observe His commandments to the thousandth generation and paying back to those who hate Him to their faces to destroy them..." (Deuteronomy 7: 9-10)*

As the first Jewish educator, Moses demonstrates his teaching skills and inspires us in our own teaching, millennia removed from the children of Israel on the banks of the Jordan. What an amazing coincidence that we're studying Va-Etchannan just as we're about to re-enter our classrooms to begin the new school year.
Amazing - yes! Coincidence - No!
Torah teachings are made timely through our efforts to interpret, to understand, to apply, and to grow as learners and teachers.

B'Hatslacha (success) in the coming school year!

*From Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Torah Commentary - Devarim

We have become accustomed to studying Portions where God speaks through Moses, but in Devarim, the first Portion in the Book of Deuteronomy (Sefer Devarim), Moses speaks on his own. Moses is fully aware that this is his final chance to address the children of Israel; that his death is imminent; that he won't be going with his people into the land of Canaan. Still, Moses doesn't show resentment or disappointment.

Through the eleven Portions of Deuteronomy, Moses continues to lead. Ever the wise teacher, Moses reviews for the children of Israel the details of their forty year journey including their conquests, their fears, their failures to heed God's commandments.
Moses confidently acknowledges that he set up an effective system of delegating leadership responsibilities (following his father-in-law Yitro's advice, although Moses doesn't mention this here). (Deuteronomy 1:15-18)
Moses cites instances where he told the children of Israel of God's commandments which they refused to follow and so suffered for their rebellious ways.
Moses forcefully reminds the children of Israel that God is with them in their efforts to claim the land that God has given them. (Deuteronomy 3:21-22)

Moses, the powerful central figure of Devarim is also Moses, the extremely senior citizen. The 120 year old Moses is still vigorously engaged in fulfilling his longstanding role as God's spokesperson. He demonstrates excellent recall, eloquent oratory, a magnificent presence, and an amazingly unselfish desire to see the children of Israel succeed in settling Canaan, their God-given homeland.
Although he knows his last days are near, Moses doesn't express bitterness, anger, or regret. He doesn't envy the younger generation who will enter Canaan without him. He accepts his destiny as God has decreed and keeps on leading and teaching.

In today's world, aging and the elderly are depicted in a very different way.
"Stay young! Stay independent! Live happily ever after!" exhort the ads for everything from Jazzercise to mobility scooters to retirement planning.
"Banish wrinkles! Tighten your abs! Replace your knees!" In modern times aging is a challenge to be energetically overcome with grim determination - and large sums of money!
But despite the costly efforts of medical science and mass marketing, longevity is often accompanied by unpreventable physical and mental deterioration - sad to watch and painful to endure. That's the reality.

Fortunately, those of us who are halfway or more along in life's journey, can find special comfort and inspiration in the Torah's portrayal of the elderly, but commanding figure of Moses in Devarim.
We are strengthened by having Moses as our role model and Devarim as a "Senior Moment" in the very best sense of the term.

Shabbat Shalom.

Torah Commentary - Mas'ei

In the days before GPS devices, you could prepare for a trip by going to the AAA office and requesting a "TripTik." A TripTik was a series of maps bound together and hi-lited to show your route from your house to your destination. The Torah Portion, Mas'ei, the final Portion in the Book of Numbers (Sefer B'Midbar), resembles a TripTik as it recounts the 40 year journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan. An AAA trip for sure - this Awesome Ancestral Adventure!

Mas'ei recalls each encampment on the journey and notes certain happenings which, no doubt, bring the travel experience vividly to the minds of the Israelites.
The Torah Text refers to the plagues in Egypt, the passage through the sea near Pi-Hahiroth, the oasis at Elim, the lack of water at Rephidim, and Aaron's death at Mount Hor (Numbers 33:8-38). This brings the children of Israel to the plains of Moab and the Jordan River - poised to cross over into Canaan.

God warns that the king of Arad "...heard of the coming of the children of Israel." (Numbers 33:40)* God, through Moses, orders the children of Israel that they must take possession of Canaan by force. "...you shall dispossess all the residents of the land in front of you, and destroy all their carved figures, and you shall destroy all their molten images and demolish all their high places. And you shall take possession of the land and live in it, because I've given the land to you to possess it." (Numbers 33: 52-53)*
This may seem harsh, but God is planning for the future survival of God's People. These commandments for conquest and destruction realistically counter the danger of the Israelites' assimilating into the pagan culture of the Canaanites. (Remember in the Torah Portion, Balak, God brought a plague upon the Israelites and executed those who had been seduced into idol worship by the Moabite women.)

From conquest, Mas'ei turns to land distribution and clarifications of legal matters according to God's word as the children of Israel prepare to enter Canaan. God summons the leaders of the Tribes and instructs them in the allocation of land in Canaan. Each Tribe is to contribute land for the Levites, the priestly class. This land is to include six "cities of refuge." (Numbers 35:6) A person who has accidently or unintentionally caused the death of another can escape to a city of refuge and be safe there from being killed in turn in an act of blood vengeance.
Further, two witnesses are required to testify in order for a person to be condemned as a murderer. Murder, outside of military battle, is considered so heinous a crime that even the land is said to be polluted by the shedding of blood. (Numbers 35:33)

There is yet another matter to be resolved. In the Torah Portion Phinehas, in the case of Zelophehad's daughters, God rules that women may inherit land when there are no sons to inherit. In Mas'ei, the leaders of the Tribe of Manasseh are worried that a woman who has inherited land may marry a man from another Tribe. Her land will then pass to her husband's Tribe and will be lost to the Tribe of her father. God rules that a woman who has inherited land must marry a man of her own Tribe, so that her land remains with her father's Tribe.

With God's ruling, Mas'ei and the Book of Numbers come to an end - not a particularly dramatic ending, but a surprisingly apt one in light of the current events in Washington. In his Friday evening D'var Torah on Mas'ei, my Rabbi pointed out that this additional ruling regarding a woman's right to inherit, exemplifies God's willingness, on occasion, to modify God's commandments in order to resolve a situation arising from human attempts to fulfill those commandments. Following God's example, we need to be reasonable and flexible in solving problems and arriving at crucial decisions in our own lives. I believe this is a lesson which would well serve to enlighten the U.S. Congress in its current interminable, rancorous debate over the debt ceiling!

Mas'ei reminds us that on our personal journeys, we need to pause from time to time to appreciate and to understand where we've been and, with God's guidance, to prepare for what lies ahead.

CHAZAK CHAZAK V'NITCHAZEIK!

*From Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Torah Commentary - Mattot

The Torah Portion, Mattot, opens with God's commandment that: "A man who will make a vow to YHWH or has sworn an oath to make a restriction on himself shall not desecrate his word. He shall do it according to everything that comes out of his mouth." (Numbers 30:3)*

As with all Torah Portions, Mattot, raises a a number of "whys." Why is there an uncharacteristic focus on women's rights regarding their vows with God? Why do Moses and God exact such brutal vengeance against the Midianites, killing even Balaam who followed God's commandment to bless the Israelites? Why is Moses so angry with the tribes of Reuben and Gad when they ask to remain on the other side of the Jordan River and not cross into Canaan? These questions are central to the narrative of Mattot which is unified by the theme of "vows," as God instructs the Israelites in their final preparations to enter the Promised Land of Canaan.

While striving to act according to God's commandments during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness, it's natural that questions should arise among the Israelites, regarding the application of these commandments in various life circumstances. It makes practical sense to resolve these questions before the Israelites are caught up in the conquests, land divisions, and transition to Joshua's leadership which face them as they cross into Canaan.

In the verses about women's vows with God (Numbers 30: 4-17), it's acknowledged that a woman is often under the power of her father or husband. Therefore God will forgive her if her father or husband interferes with her fulfillment of a vow. Further, the husband who causes his wife to break her vow, "...he shall bear her crime." (Numbers 30:16)* - he will bear the responsibility for whatever consequences occur as a result of her broken vow.

In Chapter 31 of Mattot, God commands Moses, as Moses' last act of leadeship, to "Get revenge for the children of Israel from the Midianites. After that you'll be gathered to your people." (Numbers 31:2)* Moses orders a vicious war on the Midianites. Every male, including the kings of Midian and Balaam is killed. The text suggests that Balaam played a role in the Israelites' sin of idol worship at Peor. (Numbers 31:16)* Although he, himself, has a Midianite wife, Moses brutally orders all male Midianite infants and all other married Midianite women to be killed.
The text doesn't detail Moses' feelings, but one can imagine his fierce anger and humiliation that his wife's people, those in the land where his respected father-in-law is priest, seduced the Israelites and led them into idol worship. At the direction of God through a furious Moses, the Midianites suffer the horrific consequences of causing the Israelites to break the vow of vows - their promise to worship One God. Just as an Israelite husband must bear the consequences of causing his wife to break her vow with God, so the Midianites endure a similar fate.

Following the war with the Midianites, those Israelite men who killed or came in contact with the dead in battle undergo a purification ritual. The spoils of war with the Midianites are divided up with a share going to the priestly Levites.

No sooner does the violent episode of the Midianite war end, when Moses is confronted with yet another intense challenge. The Tribes of Gad and Reuben ask to remain on the eastern side of the Jordan River where the land is well suited to their herds of livestock. Moses is livid and demands, "Will your brothers go to war while you sit here?! And why do you hold back the heart of the children of Israel from crossing to the land that YHWH has given them?" (Numbers 32:6-7)* There is a sense that Moses is weary and wishes to finally see the end of his life that God has decreed with the fulfillment of God's commandment that the children of Israel settle in Canaan. And now, on the brink of crossing into the Promised Land, some Tribes don't want to go! The situation is resolved with another vow which brings the events of Mattot to a close. The Tribes of Gad and Reuben vow that they will build fortified cities for their families and flocks and then lead the Israelites into battle for the Land of Canaan, across the Jordan. "We won't go back to our houses until the children of Israel take possession, each of his legacy." (Numbers 32:18)*

The final verses of Mattot describe the land which Moses gave to the Tribes of Gad and Reuben (and half the Tribe of Manasseh) in return for the fulfillment of their vow.

The Israelites' arduous journey is coming to an end, while we continue on our way, working to fulfill our vows, once again made wiser by the "whys" of Torah Study.

*From Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Torah Commentary - Pinchas

In terms of story qualities, the Torah Portion, Pinchas, stands in direct contrast to the previous Portion, Balak. Where the narrative of Balak was dramatic, poetic, and visually memorable, Pinchas is more like a series of memoranda. According to commentary, it is the 40th year of the Israelites' wandering. They are encamped at "an eastern entrance to Canaan."* It is a time of intense preparation for entry into the Promised Land.

Pinchas gives us a glimpse of God's "checklist" of items to resolve and review before the children of Israel enter Canaan:
Leadership - God grants Phinehas (Pinchas in Hebrew) and his descendents priestly status because Phinehas executed the Israelite man and the Midianite woman who approached the Tent of Meeting. (Numbers 25:7-8)
(Phinehas is the son of Eleazar and the grandson of Aaron.)

God allows Moses to gaze upon Canaan, but not to enter. "For, in the wilderness of Zin, when the community was contentious, you disobeyed My command to uphold My sanctity in their sight by means of the water." (Numbers 27:14)*
Having seen Canaan from afar, Moses will then die.
Moses asks God to appoint a leader to guide the community. God appoints Joshua, son of Nun, who was one of the scouts who reported positively about the land of Canaan in the Portion Sh'lach L'cha.
It's significant to note that Joshua is not a priest, but rather represents God's conferring civil power on a lay leader. This marks the beginning of a division of power between religious leaders and communal/political leaders. It is a recognition that while God guides us in both spheres, we're responsible for our day to day actions. **

Military Census - God commands that a census be taken of all Israelite males over the age of twenty who are "...able to bear arms." (Numbers 26:2)* In the course of the census, we are reminded of the deaths of Nadab and Abihu and of Korah and his band of agitators. Regarding the Israelites who will enter Canaan, the Torah tells us that "Among these there was not one of those enrolled by Moses and Aaron the priest when they recorded the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Eternal had said of them, 'They shall die in the wilderness.' Not one of them survived, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun." (Numbers 26:64-65)*

Property Rights - The daughters of Zelophehad ask Moses' help. Zelophehad died leaving 5 daughters, but no sons. The women ask that their father's property rights be transferred to them. "Moses brought their case before the Eternal. And the Eternal One said to Moses, 'The plea of Zelophehad's daughters is just: you should give them a hereditary holding among their father's kinsmen; transfer their father's share to them.'" (Numbers 27:5-7)*
God also provides rules for transfer of property should a man die without leaving sons or daughters.

Sacrificial Offerings - God commands an extensive set of sacrificial offerings including those which mark special Holidays; the Sabbath, the new moon, Passover, Shavuot, Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Sh'mini Atzeret.

As God has provided direction, protection, and sustenance for the Israelites throughout their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, so God prepares them for the challenges of settling in the Promised Land of Canaan. God has given them leaders; a military structure; rules for apportioning property; and, most importantly, rituals for worship, for keeping strong a close connection to the One God, for keeping the Covenant.

Many of us are poised, as were the Israelites in Pinchas, at the entrance to a personal Promised Land where we have the wisdom, strength, and faith to realize our human potential, to fulfill God's commandments. Like Moses, we are allowed to envision "Canaan." Like the children of Israel, we are faced with the enormous challenge of preparing ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually to enter. Every day counts. With God's help,we'll complete the journey.

Torah Commentary - Balak

A wicked king, a talking donkey, a wizard whose curses miraculously turn to blessings - "Shrek Meets Harry Potter?" No! It's the Torah Portion, Balak.
Balak is one of my favorite Portions - both for its teachings and for some wonderful personal memories associated with it. Decades ago, in Israel, I had the pleasure of helping one of my daughters, then a third grader, with her Torah homework. The Portion was Balak and she was struggling to understand what it was about. We had recently made Aliyah, so her Hebrew skills were still developing and the ponderous English of our Torah Commentary was not much help, either. Together we read in both languages, line by line, until I thought I understood the "plot." I asked my daughter to play the role of Balaam and I was the donkey. She clung to my neck and wrapped her legs around my waist. I carried her down the "mountain path," straying off into the living room, squeezing against the walls in the hallway, and falling in a heap on the rug while braying that an angel was in my way.

My daughter is grown now with two daughters of her own, but we treasure the memory of studying Balak. Although we may not always realize it, Torah is meaningful on so many levels. While we stray and struggle on our journey, Torah wisdom, Torah teachings, and Torah themes are present in our lives, waiting, like the angel in Balak, to be revealed.

Years later, years during which I infrequently engaged in Torah study, Balak again intersected my life. As a gift for co-chairing a Conference on Alternatives in Jewish Education (CAJE), I received a framed print by artist Bruce David. The print, entitled "Enlightened Eyes" depicts Balaam, the donkey, and the angel. The images in the print are formed by energetic swirls of vivid color: yellow-orange, rust, burnt umber, green, yellow, purple, turquoise-blue. The single large figure in the print melds the forms of Balaam and the donkey into one design. Within this dual design are multiple smaller images of Balaam, the donkey, and the angel with sword in hand. Radiating from the eyes of the central Balaam/donkey figure is a larger image of the angel. I interpret this intriguing print as representing Balaam at the moment described in Numbers 22:31. "And YHWH uncovered Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of YHWH standing up in the road, and his sword drawn in his hand..."*

The story of Balak and Balaam ends well for the children of Israel. Instead of cursing the Israelite camp as King Balak demands, Balaam can only voice the blessings which God "sets" in his mouth. "...Isn't it that whatever YHWH sets in my mouth, that is what I'll watch out to say?!" * (Numbers 23:12)
One verse of these blessings is recited in our prayer liturgy. "How good your tents are, Jacob, your tabernacles, Israel."* (Numbers 24:5)

Commentators write at length about the relationship between God and Balaam; about the literary elements in the text; and about sections of the text that echo verses from previous Portions.
But, for me, Balak stirs special memories of distant times, people, and circumstances. Torah has the power to impact our lives in multiple ways. At times, the meaning of a Portion may extend beyond the text and reflect the dynamics of one's life at a time when that Portion was encountered. We hope that with each yearly cycle of Torah study, our eyes are further "enlightened."

No matter where Balak placed Balaam to view the Israelite camp, Balaam pronounced a blessing.
No matter where we are in life when we engage in Torah study, it, too, is a blessing.

*From: Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Torah Commentary - Chukat

The Torah Portion, Chukat, grimly develops a number of themes, some of which are familiar to us from previous Portions: laws for rituals; complaints by the children of Israel which are met with punishment from God; conquest (with Divine assistance) of those who obstruct the Israelites' journey to Canaan; death in combat and the death of Israelite leaders.

Chukat begins with a detailed description of the ritual for preparing the ashes of a red heifer. These ashes are to be mixed with water and the resulting "water of impurity" is used to purify those who have come in contact with a dead person. This section foreshadows the deaths which occur throughout the Portion including the death of Miriam, deaths in combat, the death of Aaron, and deaths by snake bite of Israelites who "...spoke against God and against Moses: 'Why did you bring us up from Egypt to die in the wilderness? Because there's no bread, and there's no water, and our soul is disgusted with the cursed bread.'" (Numbers 21:5)*

In contrast to the explicit directions for preparing the red heifer's ashes, deaths, even of Miriam and Aaron, are related with scant embellishment.
"And the children of Israel, all the congregation, came to the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. And Miriam died there and was buried there."
(Numbers 20:1)*
"And Moses took off Aaron's clothes and put them on Eleazar, his son. And Aaron died there on the top of the mountain. And Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. And all the congregation saw that Aaron had expired, and all the house of Israel mourned Aaron thirty days." (Numbers 20:28-29)*

In Chukat, we are told of several contentious encounters with inhabitants of the lands through which the Israelites travel. We learn that God denies Moses entry into the Promised Land because Moses fails to follow God's commandment to speak to the rock (to provide water) and strikes the rock instead. We are even treated to two poetic passages - Numbers 21: 17-18 and Numbers 21: 27-30. Yet, we are told little about the deaths of Miriam and Aaron. We have repeatedly heard the Israelites' words of complaint, but there is hardly an indication of their response to losing two important members of the community. We are left to wonder - What did the Israelites say? How did they react? Were there rituals to mark the passing of such significant figures? Were monuments made? Memorials? The Torah is silent in these respects. Intentionally silent, I believe.

We know from their recurrent complaints, that the Israelites' memories of Egypt are strong and compelling. They are certainly familiar with the elaborate, labor-intensive funerary rituals designed to grant Egyptian rulers immortality. By not dwelling on funeral arrangements, by making no mention of preparations for an after-life, and by associating impurity with contact with the dead, the Torah recognizes that even the most exalted among us are mortal. The Torah wisely directs us away from practices which glorify death rather than life.

We are led to understand that our behavior in life, our efforts to fulfill God's commandments, these are the "monuments" which mark our days on earth. Chukat, like previous Portions, recounts our ancestors' evolving faith in One God and teaches us ways by which we can experience God's presence and live God's commandments. Chukat reminds us that Torah is a matter of life - that we, in partnership with God, must attend to the here and now.
To 120!

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 Land of Canaan after their 40 years of wandering. Instead, Canaan will be the eventual home of their children. In addition, as a reminder of their holy commitment to follow God's commandments, the children of Israel are commanded to wear tzitzit.

However, there is still turmoil among the children of Israel. The Portion, Korah, opens with Korah (Moses' and Aaron's first cousin) assembling 250 prominent members of the community to challenge the leadership of Moses and Aaron.
"And they assembled against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, 'You have much! Because all of the congregation, all of them, are holy, and YHWH is among them. And why do you raise yourselves up over YHWH's community?' " (Numbers 16:3)*

Moses orders Korah and his 250 followers to join Aaron in burning incense in front of the Mishkan. God then orders the community to separate from the 250 in order to be spared as the earth opens up and swallows Korah, his followers, and their households.

Has the Israelites' faith in God's power been strengthened by seeing the fate of Korah and company? No! They turn on Moses and Aaron saying, "...You killed YHWH's people!" (Numbers 17:6)*
God sends a plague against the Israelites which Moses and Aaron halt through offerings of atonement.

God orders Moses to organize a further demonstration that Aaron is God's choice as High Priest. Each of the tribal chieftains, including Aaron, brings his staff to the Mishkan. God tells Moses and Aaron, " And it will be that the man I shall choose: his staff will bloom. And I'll decrease from me the complaints of the children of Israel that they're making against you." (Numbers 17: 20)*
An almond blossom blooms from Aaron's staff. Aaron's staff is kept on display by the Mishkan to remind the Israelites that God has chosen Aaron and the Levites as Priests.

The Israelites fear that they will die by coming close to the Mishkan. God tells Aaron the rules for who may safely approach the holiest sections of the Mishkan.

God further tells Aaron that the Levites won't have a portion of land in Canaan because their covetted task is to tend to the sacred rituals of the Mishkan. The Levites' needs will be met through offerings brought by the children of Israel.

Korah presents us with an opinionated, power-hungry leader who gathers an elite group of followers and purports to speak for the entire community. This ambitious leader confronts those in the highest positions of power and declares that the present leadership is not properly acknowledging the status of "the people;" that promises to "the people" have gone unfulfilled; and that "the people" are being dangerously led astray.

Sounds alot like an election year! Torah commentator Richard Elliott Friedman points out that "This is a battle for leadership, which is to say it is a political battle, which is to say it is a battle for power; and it dramatizes the danger of the power-seeking politician who is a skillful speaker." (page 482)*

While political manipulation and confrontation may succeed for a while on the human level, God is not a President, a CEO, or a legislator to be voted out of office.
The realm of the Eternal is so all encompassing, divinely generative, and infinitely powerful that while we can (and do) stumble and err, God is , by definition, "too big to fail" (to borrow a media phrase).

If it seems to us that sacred promises are not being kept, that our needs are not being met, that we are desperately struggling on our journey, it is our behavior, not Gods', that bears scrutiny and demands change.
We are certainly not too big to fail, but neither are we too small to learn, to improve, to have faith, to follow God's commandments, and to act as God's partners in the Covenant.

*From: Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

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?" she asked angrily. "Maybe the man needed the wood for his family. A story like this could be used to justify violent , zealous acts. Remember when we lived in Israel and Dad and I got lost driving in Jerusalem and turned down a street in an ultra Orthodox neighborhood on Shabbat? They threw stones at our car and they could say they were acting according to God's commandment in Sh'lach L'cha!"

My response - "Yes." Yes, that story seems to contradict the image of God which Moses recalls in Numbers 14:18. "The Eternal! slow to anger and abounding in kindness; forgiving iniquity and transgression..."*
Yes, the Torah's teachings can be used to support wanton acts of violence. The Torah is not an "easy read." The Torah Text is complex, multi-themed, dense with layers of meaning, and a potentially powerful determinant of behavior.
As Jews, we are commanded to study Torah. As humans, we are wildly imperfect and easily led astray, but we are also endowed with reason, judgement, compassion, the ability to question and the overwhelming desire to seek answers - even about Torah Text.
The ongoing challenge - to strike a balance. Blessings and curses. Good and evil. God who is at once merciful and harsh, forgiving and punitive, all-powerful and yet able to be persuaded. It's all in Sh'lach L'cha and throughout the Torah!

Torah is not a sacred relic to be displayed behind glass and venerated. Torah, while Holy, is alive and through centuries of ongoing commentary and interpretation, eternally relevant. Torah is meant to teach, to build community, to inspire, to glorify God, at times to warn, and often to disturb.

I shared with my daughter that: "At his first session with new B'nai Mitzvah students, your Dad (a volunteer B'nai Mitzvah tutor) always asks them to read their entire Portion (in English) and to note any parts which are confusing, unclear, or disturbing. Invariably, his students identify such parts and this initiates the discussion of what will eventually become their D'vrei Torah."

Torah is interactive and confrontational. At every stage of life, we are aroused to ask, "What's going on here?" "What could this possibly mean?" We're impelled to dig deeper, to explore centuries of commentary, to discuss, to debate, to interpret, to respond.
Ultimately, as Jews, we come to inquire, "What is this Torah Text teaching me?" "How can these ancient words enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me on my journey through my wilderness?"

On this Shabbat, Sh'lach L'cha sparked a spirited discussion of Torah with my daughter - a memorable step forward on my path to lifelong learning and, hopefully, on hers.

Thank God for this special and unexpected opportunity to fulfill the Mitzvah of Torah Study.

Shabbat Shalom Rest and Renew

*Translation taken from The Torah: A Modern Commentary edited by W. Gunther Plaut

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 their own issues. "These snacks are yucky!" "We wanna go to Disneyland like last year." "Who made her the boss of me?"
Words are heated. Tempers flare. Someone's gonna get a time out - or worse!

Welcome to this week's Torah Portion - B'haalot'cha. God (through Moses) is preparing the children of Israel for their journey to the Promised Land. The Portion begins with God's instructions for mounting the lamps in the Menorah and moves on to directions for purifying the Levites for service in the Mishkan and some adjustments to the Passover observance. God reminds the children of Israel that the Divine Cloud's ascent and descent over the Mishkan will signal when they are to camp and when they are to continue on.

God commands the crafting of silver trumpets whose blasts alert the people that it is time to move forward, to assemble, to attack, to observe festivals, or to perform sacrifices.
God commands the tribal groups to set out in an organized manner.

Are the children of Israel pleased and grateful that God is carefully readying them for their momentous journey? No way! "The people took to complaining bitterly before the Eternal. The Eternal heard and was incensed: a fire of the Eternal broke out against them, ravaging the outskirts of the camp." (Numbers 11:1)
Moses prays to God and quenches the fire. Still, the Israelites have the chutzpah to weep, recalling the meat, fish, and veggies in Egypt, when all they have to sustain them in the wilderness is God's miracle food - manna!
Understandably, "...The Eternal was very angry, and Moses was distressed," (Numbers 11:10)*

To facilitate the departure, God assigns seventy "elders" to assist Moses and promises the whining children of Israel that they'll receive so much meat (quail) that it will be coming out of their noses! (Numbers 11:19-20) - plus a plague.
Everything ok now?
No! A youth tattles that "Eldad and Medad are acting the prophet in the camp!" (Numbers 11:27)*
Then, Miriam and Aaron start in. They complain to God about Moses that "...He married a Cushite woman!" (Numbers 12:1)*. They fuss about Moses getting God's special attention.
"They said, 'Has the Eternal spoken only through Moses? Has [God] not spoken through us as well?' The Eternal heard it." (Numbers 12:2)*
God points out Moses' unique relationship with God and punishes Miriam by giving her leprosy.

From sacred lamps, a Divine cloud, and silver trumpets to fire, a sickening glut of quail, plague, and leprosy, B'haalot'cha is just the beginning of the harrowing journey!

In B'haalot'cha, God emphatically teaches the children of Israel and us, their descendents, to be ever mindful of God's commandments, to be grateful for God's miracles. We are warned to stop complaining and to make our journey a positive one - or else!

So - fasten those seatbelts! Eyes on the road! Remember, God grants us only one chance to make the trip!
Are we there yet? Not even close!

Shabbat Shalom - Rest and Renew.

*All quotes are from The Torah: A Modern Commentary edited by W. Gunther Plaut

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" persons outside the camp (Numbers 5: 1-4)



• Declare rules for guilt offerings and donations to the priests (Numbers 5:5-10)



• Set up a procedure for determining a wife's fidelity (Numbers 5:11-31)



• Teach how to be a Nazirite (Numbers 6:1-21)



• Instruct the priests in the Priestly Blessing (Numbers 6:24-27)



• Command altar dedication offerings from each Tribe (Numbers 7: 1-88)



• Speak to Moses - directly (Numbers 7:89)

Thus, to strengthen the community of the children of Israel, God provides solutions to potential problems - how to transport the Mishkan; how to keep the community healthy; how to deal with jealous husbands; how to allow those outside the priestly families to share in the experience of holiness; how to recognize each Tribe fairly.

In addition, the Priestly Blessing is given to all of us and to each of us. God, the Problem solver, assures us of God's enduring bond with our community as a whole and with each individual within it. This Blessing, a moving part of our T'fila even now, brings us "face to face" with God.

In the final lines of Naso, we are inspired by the image of God "speaking" to Moses. We're left with the hope that if God spoke to Moses in ancient times, God will speak to us today if we are sufficiently attentive and consistently open to hearing God's voice.

Torah wisdom - Take it personally.

Shabbat Shalom Rest and Renew

Shabbat Commentary - Be-Midbar

We have just studied Sefer Va-Yikra (the Book of Leviticus) whose ten Portions centered on God's commandments (through Moses) to the children of Israel and their priestly leaders. The children of Israel have been camped at the base of Mount Sinai, but are now about to set out on their demanding journey to the land which God has promised them.

This week's Torah Portion, Be-Midbar, is the first Portion of Sefer Be-Midbar known in English as the Book of Numbers. The Portion, Be-Midbar mainly describes God's commandments to Moses and Aaron to count the males, 20 years of age and older, in each of the tribal groups representing the descendants of Jacob's twelve sons. "Counting" and "numbers" are commentary themes which come quickly to mind.
Counting and numbers figure prominently in our daily experiences and give rise to such expressions as: "count in," "count out," "count on," "count for," "count as," "count down," "head count," "down for the count," and "count your blessings."
"Number one," "wrong number," "lucky number," "number's up," "pick a number," "do a number on," "got your number," and "paint by numbers" are also frequently heard.

Anyone of these expressions could serve as the starting point for commentary on Be-Midbar. You're welcome to use them in crafting your own personal interpretation of this Portion.
However, in my case, two recent experiences led me to consider the Hebrew name of the Portion and of the fourth Book of Torah - Be-Midbar , "in the wilderness."
First, a few days ago, I attended an Eagle Scout Court of Honor - a ceremony held to recognize those who have achieved scouting's highest rank, Eagle Scout. As part of the ceremony, Scout leaders from the community and the new Eagle Scouts, themselves, shared "Scouting Remembrances," recalling scouting activities which had been part of the journey from first grade Tiger Cub to twelfth grade Eagle Scout. Again and again there were references to wilderness experiences - hiking, camping, backpacking trips, mountain climbing, river rafting, and ocean snorkeling. The speakers emphasized how these challenging wilderness experiences had built character; had provided opportunities for Scouts to develop and demonstrate leadership, courage, endurance, responsibility, and concern for fellow Scouts.

A high point of the Court of Honor came when the Eagle Scouts were awarded medals signifying their accomplishment. The medals were inscribed with the Scout motto, "Be Prepared."

In the days following the Court of Honor, I happened to be in the education office of our synagogue and picked up several brochures detailing a variety of Jewish summer camping programs. The brochures vividly described the camp settings - in forests, high in the mountains, near lakes and streams. In these wilderness settings, the brochures proclaimed, campers would "enhance leadership skills," "build strong Jewish identity," "live Jewish values" in "a community of living Judaism..."

For the children of Israel, for Scouts, and for Jewish campers, the wilderness, the Midbar, is a place to learn and grow, to gain strength, wisdom, and confidence as individuals and as members of a community.

In Sefer Va-Yikra, the children of Israel have received God's commandments and laws which guide every aspect of their personal and communal lives.
In the Portion Be-Midbar, God assembles and organizes the vast numbers of the children of Israel. God assigns tasks related to the travelling Mishkan (tabernacle) to the tribe of Levi and places the other tribes in specific protective locations around the Mishkan.
As they leave Mount Sinai for their challenging journey through the wilderness, the Torah teaches us that God wants the children of Israel to "Be Prepared."
God does not ask the children of Israel to recite an oath before their journey. Their actions will reveal their commitment to God's commandments. But if there were such a statement of dedication, it might resemble the Scout Oath:
"On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty to God and my country, to help other people at all times, to keep myself physically fit, mentally awake, and morally straight."

For us, as for our ancestors the children of Israel, there will always be journeys. There will always be wilderness to cross. And as for God's guidance and protection on our way to the Promised Land - we can count on it!

Shabbat Shalom - Rest and Renew

Shabbat Commentary - Be-Chukkotai

If there were a theme song to accompany this week's Torah Portion, Be-Chukkotai, it would be the classic Commencement processional, "Pomp and Circumstance." We are in the midst of graduation season for everyone from pre-schoolers moving up to kindergarten to adult scholars receiving advanced degrees. Where there are graduation ceremonies, there are sure to be honored dignitaries giving commencement addresses.

As the metaphorical "honored dignitary" in Be-Chukkotai, God, through Moses, gives a "commencement speech" to the "graduates," the children of Israel. The children of Israel (and we who are their spiritual descendants) are graduating from being a frightened, distrustful pack of runaway slave families to a nation in progress. The evolving Jewish nation is bound to God by the Covenant; shaped by God's commandments in God's image; and strengthened by the shared experience of surviving and thriving in the wilderness while behaving according to God's laws.

As the assembled community is about to move on in its journey to the land which God has promised, God powerfully enumerates the Blessings which will come from following the commandments which God has taught in Sefer (the Book of) Va-Yikra. These Blessings include bountiful crops, peace, security, victory over enemies, and God's protective presence.
"...and I shall put my Tabernacle among you and my soul will not scorn you, and I shall walk among you, and I shall be God to you, and you will be a people to me." (Leviticus 26:11-12)*

After reminding the children of Israel that God freed them from slavery in Egypt, God warns of fearful "curses" which will befall them if they fail to follow all of God's commandments. If one set of curses fails to make the children of Israel "listen" to God, then even more horrendous curses will follow.
However, in conclusion, God promises that if the children of Israel recognize their wrongdoing and repent, God will continue the Covenant with them.

One can almost see the "graduates" take a deep breath after experiencing the intensity of God's message - and then burst into applause and give the Speaker a standing ovation!
In the graduating community of the children of Israel, great leaders, earnest followers, and even those apt to be led astray stand tall, proud to be God's people, ready to apply God's teachings as they continue their journey toward nationhood.

We, too, inspired by God's words, continue our journey as we conclude this year's study of Sefer Va-Yikra and commence our reading of Sefer Be-Midbar.
Chazak! Chazak! V'Nitchazeik!
From strength to strength...
Shabbat Shalom Rest and Renew

*From: Commentary on the Torah by Richard Elliott Friedman

Shalom Kitah Gimel Students and Families #26

The year has flown by! Here we are on the final day of the Hebrew month of Nisan and the last day of Hebrew class.

Together we recited the Blessing for Torah Study.
Students took turns asking and anwering the questions in the attendance conversation - all by heart.

We had an abundance of special treats for our Last Day party and recited several Blessings over the different types of food we were enjoying.
(Thank you to those families who kindly provided delicious snacks.)

Torah Study
We reviewed the main points in the seven Portions of the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus) which we've studied together. Students remembered an impressive amount of information about these Portions. In this week's Portion, Emor, God commands us to observe Shabbat, Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. We discussed the question, "Why does God command us to observe Holidays?" Students suggested that we connect with God through the "Holy Days" which God has chosen for us; that Holidays help us remember and honor the past; that Holidays teach us and give us occasions for joyful celebration. Insightful ideas!

In the midst of our "Happy Last Day" events, we paused to recognize that Sunday was Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), a time when we are urged to zacor (remember) the millions whose lives were destroyed. One student shared that Yom HaShoah inspired her to learn more about the experiences of her grandparents who were Holocaust survivors.

Modern Hebrew Language
To review Hebrew vocabulary and events and figures from the Torah Portions we've studied, we played Zingo. Zingo is similar to Bingo, except that questions and answers are used instead of letters and numbers. Last week, students had prepared some of the Zingo questions and answers themselves. Students were enthusiastic players. Everyone was eventually a winner and received a Twizzler prize.
One of the Zingo words was p'rachim (flowers) - a perfect opportunity to thank the class for the beautiful vase of flowers which greeted me when I entered the classroom.

Following Zingo, each student received a slip of paper with a Hebrew word on it. They were directed to figure out what the word was and to find an object on the classroom walls which related to the word. After a few attempts to sound out the unfamiliar words with few vowels, students discovered that the words were the names of American cities on a Hebrew language map of the USA which the Cantor had lent to the class. This was our first acquaintance with the category of Hebrew words which spell out foreign words in Hebrew letters.

With their attention already focused on the wall displays, students worked in groups to find items on the walls which matched descriptions on a Classroom Scavenger Hunt sheet. An intensive search revealed all of the items. Students now know such intriguing facts as: The Hebrew letter dalet evolved from a fish symbol and the three languages on an Israeli ten shekel coin are Hebrew, English, and Arabic.

After a few energetic rounds of Shimon Omer (Simon Says), and several last handfuls of snacks, it was time to say "Shalom" to a great year of Hebrew School and to look forward to Machon in the fall.

Thank you for the privilege of teaching our students. I've enjoyed watching them learn and grow and wish them success and satisfaction as they continue on their Jewish journey.
From strength to strength!
Have a terrific summer.
B'shalom,
Morah Ronni

Shabbat Commentary - Kedoshim

This week's Torah Portion, Kedoshim, gets right to the point. In the second line, God tells Moses, "Speak to the whole Israelite community and say to them: You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal your God, am holy." (Leviticus 19:2)*

This powerful directive is immediately followed by a multitude of commandments, many of which we've encountered in previous Portions. These commandments pertain to a variety of human behaviors and relationships - from "revering" parents and observing Shabbat (Leviticus 19:3) to dealing fairly with neighbors, employees, and the disabled (Leviticus 19:13-14) to not "mixing" animal species, seeds, or fabrics (Leviticus 19:19).
Twicw more in Kedoshim the children of Israel are reminded that they (and we) are holy because God is holy and that their (and our) holiness derives from following the laws of God who freed us from Egypt. (Leviticus 19:36, 20:7-8, 20:26).

Of course, we know this. Every time we say a Bracha before doing a mitzvah, the Bracha includes the phrase, "...kidshanu b'mitzvotav..." - God makes us holy by God's commandments. So familiar is this affirmation of our connection with God, that we may forget how unique this connection is. The legendary multiple gods of the Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Norse peoples, for example, did not share their sacred status with their worshippers (with the exception of rulers who claimed to be descendents of the gods). But, our One God as revealed in the Torah, has chosen us to share God's holiness by following God's laws. To become holy as God is holy, we are commanded throughout our lives to learn, understand, and fulfill mitzvot which shape every aspect of our existence. Judaism commits us to a lifelong striving for holiness. Our cumulative efforts to be holy as God is holy give meaning and purpose to our lives and represent the legacy we leave to our children and our children's children.

In the coming weeks, ask yourself, "What have I done to be holy?" After studying Kedoshim, the answer in my case is , "Not enough!"

Shabbat Shalom Rest and Renew

*From The Torah: A Modern Commentary edited by W. Gunther Plaut

Shabbat Commentary - Acharei Mot (belated post)

There are many ways to engage in Torah Study: Shabbat sessions with a Rabbi, adult education courses, face-to-face or on-line chevruta (study groups), independent study using classic and modern commentaries. Or -you might commit to teaching Torah to children.
This school year, I decided to devote part of my sixth grade modern Hebrew language class to studying the weekly Torah Portion (in English).

Since my students have begun or are about to begin their B'nai Mitzvah preparation, I believe that it's important for them to have a sense of the teachings of Torah as a whole, as well as familiarity with the cycle of Torah Portions.
For most, it is their first opportunity to ask questions and to participate in discussions of the Portions - a first step toward lifelong Torah Study.

Because I needed to make effective use of our relatively brief Torah Study time, I chose as a main resource a book designed for younger children, My Weekly Sidrah by Melanie Berman and Joel Lurie Grishaver (published by Torah Aura Productions www.torahaura.com) .
This book presents a simple, but meaningful summary of the main themes in each Portion; a few lines in English quoted directly from the Portion; cartoon-style illustrations; and several written exercises to help the child understand the Portion in an age appropriate way.

For my class, I use the summary page and the quote page, sometimes including excerpts in Hebrew and English from the Plaut Torah Commentary which our synagogue uses.

Students read the material and together we discuss the major concepts and events in the Portion and share ideas about the moral, ethical, and theological issues posed. Students are encouraged to suggest interpretations and to relate the teachings of the Portion to their own life experiences. Even if we only explore a few of the multiple areas of inquiry found in each Portion, it's a significant beginning.

This week's Portion, Acharei Mot, begins with a reference to the deaths of Aaron's two sons and God's warning to Aaron not to enter the holiest areas of the Mishkan where he might die by coming too close to God's presence.
God, through Moses, then commands Aaron to offer special sacrifices to atone for the sins of the children of Israel. God speaks of a special Day of Atonement, the origin of Yom Kippur.

Acharei Mot continues with God's commandments against eating blood or animal carcasses. God also commands the children of Israel not to engage in incestuous or "offensive" relationships.

My Weekly Sidrah focuses, not surprisingly, on God's teachings regarding Yom Kippur. In class, we read that section from the Plaut Torah Commentary (Leviticus 16:29-34).
Students noted that many observances which we now associate with Yom Kippur are not mentioned specifically in Acharei Mot; that, over time, as the Jewish community has evolved, we have built upon the Torah's teaching.

In examining the name of the Portion, Acharei Mot, students recalled the deaths of Aaron's sons, who were, as one student put it "incinerated" by God in the Portion, Shemini.
Another student likened this to the movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and vividly pantomimed the fiery "melting" of the enemy in that film.
On hearing of God's warning to Aaron not to enter the Holiest part of the Mishkan "at all times" (Leviticus 16:2), the sixth graders observed that "Maybe God didn't trust Aaron after what his sons did." and "God wanted Aaron to be the priest and didn't want him to die, too."

Sharing Torah with children brings exuberant responses and fresh perspectives.

To centuries of learned commentary, my sixth graders have now added their own "take-away" from studying Acharei Mot.
From strength to strength!
Children are energetic learners and inspiring teachers.

Torah Study - never too early to begin. Never too late to join in.

Shabbat Shalom Rest and Renew

Shalom Kitah Gimel Students and Families #25

As we began our class with the Blessings for Torah Study and cookies, we noticed that students were eating a variety of other snack foods - a teachable moment! We discussed and recited the Blessing that is said over a mixture of foods and reviewed the meaning of the food Blessings. One student asked why there are specific food Blessings, when there exists a Blessing for a mixture of foods. Great question! The answer is that in saying the food Blessings, we're acknowledging God as the Creator of the food which sustains us. Hence, we think carefully about the type of food we are about to eat.
Students led the attendance conversation and were reminded that it is now Aviv (spring.)

Modern Hebrew Language
We reviewed vocabulary from chapters 1-6 in our textbook, Shalom Ivrit, by playing a pantomime game, "Read - Act Out - Describe." Each student received a card with a Hebrew sentence on it. Students took turns acting out their sentences while their classmates guessed (in Hebrew) what the sentence might be. The student pantomimes were expressive, creative, and fun - and elicited enthusiastic responses.

In preparation for our last class together (next Wednesday), students wrote question and answer cards based on the vocabulary and language patterns in chapters 1-6. These cards will be used in a Bingo-style game called Zingo.

Each student put his/her class folder into a plastic bag to bring home. Students were asked to treat the materials in their folders as though the folder was a book to be placed on their bookshelves. The information about modern Hebrew and the weekly Torah Portions is certain to be useful as they progress in their Jewish learning. Also,some of the sheets may have the Hebrew name of God and, as such, they may be re-cycled, but never discarded.

Torah Study
This week's Torah Portion, Kedoshim, begins with God teaching the Jewish people, "You should be holy, because I, the Eternal your God am Holy." God then commands that many different rules be followed including, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Students pointed out
that this was sometimes hard to do as neighbors could be rather un-likeable.
We stressed in our discussion that not only were the ancient Israelites holy, but we are also. Students recognized that being holy doesn't mean acting superior to others. Being holy involves being "responsibe" and "following God's commandments."

LAST DAY Party
Some students volunteered to bring refreshments for next week's LAST DAY celebration. They are welcome (but not obligated) to do so as long as the treats do not contain nuts or meat products.

Students shared one thing they'd learned and departed for T'fila.

T'fila was held in the Sanctuary where students practiced the parts of the Family T'fila which they'll be leading on Sunday. Following the service, the 4th Graders will receive their siddurim.
The Cantor recommended that on Sunday, the students wear clothing befitting their role as Prayer Leaders.
Please join our students for this, the last Religious School Family T'fila of the school year.

L'hitraot - See you soon,
Morah Ronni

Shalom Kitah Gimel Students and Families #24

Students led the Blessings for Torah Study and cookies and also led the attendance conversation. Our Director of Lifelong Learning visited our class and gave each student an evaluation form to fill out regarding his/her Hebrew School experience this year. Students were instructed to be candid and not to sign their names, so that their responses would be anonymous. Student Evaluations of their learning experiences are an excellent idea. What better way to understand more fully how we might strengthen and improve our program. When the forms were collected, they were numbered and students were given a copy of their numbers. Later at T'fila, several forms were drawn at random and students with numbers that matched the forms won prizes. A fun way to gather valuable information! Modern Hebrew Language Students completed a five page Comprehensive Exercise in which they had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of vocabulary and language patterns which they'd learned from Chapters 1-6 in our textbook, Shalom Ivrit. When all students had completed the Comprehensive Exercise, they received a Pesach packet containing the Four Questions in Hebrew, English, and transliteration. We practiced singing the Four Questions, so that students would be prepared to participate at their Seders. Everyone sang beautifully. The Pesach packet also contained a word search game in Hebrew. Students are bringing their packets home to use and to share. Torah Study Everyone in Kitah Gimel now knows that the first Portion in the Book of Vayikra is called...Vayikra! We named all the Portions we've read so far and read an information sheet about this week's Portion, Acharei Mot ("after the death"). When asked "Who had died?" students identified the two sons of Aaron who were struck down by God's fire when they erred in performing a ritual in the Mishkan. The class likened the son's deaths by Holy Fire to the "melt down" scene in the movie, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" - a frightful image, but a good way to visualize the event which the Torah describes. At the beginning of Acharei Mot, God gives Aaron additional commandments regarding his actions in the Mishkan. When asked, "Why?" Students suggested that God didn't completely trust Aaron after his sons' behavior or that Aaron or that God didn't want Aaron to err and die as his sons did. I read the section of Acharei Mot in which Goof commands us to observe Yom Kippur. We compared the commandments in Acharei Mot to the modern observance of Yom Kippur. Students pointed out that the Portion doesn't mention the shofar, fasting, or the connection between Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur - very thoughtful observations. As students departed for T'fila, they told one new thing they'd learned in class. In T'fila, as we prayed the evening Service, the Cantor taught us that the Prayer for Peace in the morning is Sim Shalom, but in the evening, we sing Shalom Rav. Students learned that the word, Rav means "abundant" and also "Rabbi." Rav is related to the word Rabah, "very much" as in Todah Rabah "Thank you very much." In the evaluation forms raffle, one of our students won! YAY! Remember - There is no Hebrew class next Wednesday, as we'll be celebrating Passover. Students have already begun discussing plans for our end of the year celebration. It's hard to believe that the Hebrew School year is nearly over. Happy Passover. L'hitraot Morah Ronni

Shabbat Commentary- Metzora

The Torah is Judaism's most sacred object. We remove the Torah Scroll from the Ark with great ceremony and Blessings and we return it similarly with prayers expressing awe and respect. This week, we study the Torah Portion, Metzora, which continues the themes of the previous Portion, Tazria. So far, in the yearly cycle of Torah readings we have "been present" at the Creation and at the dramatic events in the lives of our ancestral "Fathers and Mothers." We have fled Egypt under Moses' leadership. We have received God's Laws at Sinai. We have "heard" God speaking through Moses and commanding the building of the Mishkan and the anointing of the Priests. Now we come to the Book of Vayikra and the Torah Portions Tazria and Metzora where we struggle to understand God's laws for ritual sacrifice, dietary rules, and Priestly duties. These duties include identifying skin diseases ("leprosy") and purifying the impure. We are puzzled to learn that not only can afflicted people be impure, but according to Tazria and Metzora, even natural bodily processes can render a person "impure." In addition, clothing and houses can also be, in some way, "leprous" and impure. Why does God include these "gross" situations in God's sacred Torah teachings which we are commanded to study? God doesn't need food, clothing, shelter, or intimacy. We, God's Creations, do and satisfying these needs plays a large role in our lives. Should our bodies, food, clothing, or houses become "impure," God speaks of ways to restore purity, to keep the community strong and each individual functional. As we study God's Laws in the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus), including those in Tazria and Metzora, we see God's presence in every aspect of our lives from the most visible to the most intimate. We realize from Tazria and Metzora that God sees and commands about stains on our bodies, our clothing, our houses, and our beds. How much more so, then, does God see the "stains" on our characters? God knows our human frailties and cares for us through Divine Commandments. We, in turn, seek guidance and comfort through our Prayers which connect us to God as did the ritual offerings of the ancient Mishkan. From Tazria and Metzora we understand that nothing in our lives is too gross, impure, offensive, or intimate as to cause us to hide from God. Individually, communally, nothing escapes God's omniscience. God knows! Study, learn, teach, understand, and fulfill God's Mitzvot. We are eternally watched and watched over. Thank God. Shabbat Shalom -Rest and Renew.

Shalom Kitah Gimel Students and Families #23

We began our class using only Hebrew (Rock Ivrit) as students led the Blessings for Torah Study and cookies. We moved on to the attendance conversation, also student led, and discovered that we're now in the month of Nisan. In answer to the question Ayzeh chag b'chodesh Nisan? ("Which Holiday is in the month of Nisan?") Students replied, "Pesach!" Modern Hebrew Language We reviewed the story from Chapter 6 which had been assigned for homework. I understand that this is a busy time for students, but I reminded the class that doing their Hebrew homework assignment for at least 10 minutes each day really helps them build the vocabulary and language fluency needed for classwork and conversation. Students read the story aloud, answered comprehension questions, and translated story sentences from English to Hebrew. Students received a sheet which listed all the Hebrew verbs we've learned so far. Students then listened to a sentence with a verb and the masculine or feminine form of the pronoun "you." When the feminine form of "you" plus the feminine form of the verb were used, the girls acted out the meaning of the verb. Boys responded similarly when the masculine forms were used. Students identified pictures and objects in Hebrew and used these words in sentences which also included verbs from the preceding activity. All our Hebrew language activities were chosen to prepare students for a Comprehensive Exercise which they will complete next Wednesday. This exercise will cover the vocabulary for chapters 1-6 in our textbook, Shalom Ivrit. Students also completed a written activity on verb forms and meanings - the final activity in their chapter 6 packets. For homework, students were given a packet with vocabulary from Chapters 1-6. Students are to review a portion of the vocabulary each day. Torah Study We reviewed the fact that the name of the first Torah Portion in each Book of Torah is the same as the name of the Book. Next, three table groups were given pictures of non-kosher foods. The fourth table group was given a cereal box with the Kosher symbol. Students correctly answered that the pictures and box related to the Portions they'd studied in the Book of Vayikra, because some of the laws God commanded the Israelites to follow, form the basis for the Kosher Dietary laws. The Torah Portions for the last two weeks, Tazria and Metzorah deal with skin diseases, clothing, and houses that are "leprous" and in need of purification by the priests. When asked why the Torah deals with such "yucky" topics, students replied that having priestly rituals to deal with unpleasant happenings kept the people from panicking. Also, people trusted the wisdom of the priests and the priest's advice would help them to become healthy. One student asked why God no longer speaks to us directly as God spoke to Moses, Aaron, and the children of Israel. An excellent question - difficult to answer. I suggested that God still speaks to us in different ways. One student commented that a tsunami might be an example of God "speaking." As they left the classroom for T'fila, students told something they'd learned from our modern Hebrew activities and something they'd learned from Torah Study. It's especially gratifying to hear a student say that they learned the meaning of a Hebrew word which appears in their Bar/Bat Mitzvah Portion. In T'fila, the 4th grade students gave a presentation on the days of the week in Hebrew. Following the Torah trope symbols, students sang the Sh'ma. The Cantor taught us a new melody for the Mi Chamocha Prayer. Happy Nisan, L'hitraot - See you soon. Morah Ronni