Voices of WRJ: B'haalot'cha
Judaism offers each of us a unique lens to view the world; I am especially grateful for the way in which my understanding and perception of light has been transformed by our tradition.
Judaism offers each of us a unique lens to view the world; I am especially grateful for the way in which my understanding and perception of light has been transformed by our tradition.
This week’s Parashat Naso II begins with the vow of the Nazarites. In many ways, these vows include some of the things we have been doing in this age of staying at home for the coronavirus.
“Throughout the term of their vow as a nazarite, no razor shall...
Along with most of you, I am sheltered at home. Despite quite a number of Zoom meetings, happy hours, and educational opportunities, I probably have more extra time in my life than usual. So, it is fitting that I would choose to write about the longest Torah.
Recently, I spent a Sunday afternoon at a virtual “Spring Training.” Spring Training is a program that the Union for Reform Judaism organizes every year at this time.
This week we read the double portion, B’har/b’chukotai.
B’har (on the mount) records the instructions God gave Moses about Sabbath years and Jubilee years.
Parashat Emor tells us the holy rules of priests and rules for holidays and celebrations: regulations of priestly lives and sacrifices; the Jewish calendar; laws of murder, blasphemy, harming other people; the need for pure olive oil for sanctuary menorahs.
...I am pleased to present this week’s D’var Torah. It is a wonderful opportunity for me to study ancient teachings and search for meaning…to today’s Reform Jews, to women, and even, personally to me.
My mom died last year. I lost a best friend, mentor, and life coach. My world turned upside down. I felt myself alone in experiencing a grief so intense and painful. Not only was I unable to think of anything else, I didn't want to.
Seven years ago, when I came to teach a Torah Corps class to the URJ Kutz Camp in New York, I was confronted with a completely different Jewish reality than I had known until then from my home country – the Czech Republic.
As I am contemplating writing this piece about the Parashah Chol HaMoeid Pesach, the world is being confronted by a global pandemic. Our world is upended in ways most of us have never experienced.