Jonah On Yom Kippur we read about the reluctant prophet, Jonah. He is called on a Divine mission to warn the people of Nineveh and responds to this call by running in the opposite direction. Jonah’s journey traces our own circuitous pathway away from and back to our true nature and calling. Perhaps we read … Continue reading Yom Kippur 5763 (2002) →

Deuteronomy16:18-21:9 (Judges) Shoftim defines the status and function of Judges, the King, the Priests, and the Prophet in Israelite society. The people are commanded to set up Cities of Refuge where someone who has killed accidentally can find sanctuary. Click to see Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation. THE BLESSING THE … Continue reading Shoftim →

Numbers33:1-36:13 (Journeys) Massei outlines the forty-two stops along the way on our wilderness journey. Click to see Numbers 33:1-36:13 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation. THE BLESSING SOMETIMES I THINK OF MY LIFE as one long interesting journey. Massei reminds me that every journey takes place in stages and each stage carries its … Continue reading Massei →

Numbers22:2-25:9 (Balak) This Torah portion tells the story of a prophet named Bil’am hired by King Balak to curse the Israelites. This prophet-for-hire has an amazing adventure which includes listening to his talking donkey and encountering angels. In the end Bil’am blesses the Israelites with the words “Mah Tovu.” Click to see Numbers 22:2-25:9 in … Continue reading Balak →

Numbers1:1-4:20 (In the Wilderness) A census is taken and the camp is organized according to Tribes. Click to see Numbers 1:1-4:20 in Hebrew with the English JPS (1985) translation. THE BLESSING OUR JOURNEY TAKES US into the Book of Numbers. The Torah, as a guide for our journey, illuminates the process of incarnation in Genesis, … Continue reading Bamidbar →