The Lehigh Valley's Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Parsha (VAYEITZEI), we read the convoluted and multifarious twenty years, which Jacob experienced, while living with his Uncle Laban. In Parsha (VAYISHLACH), with immense trepidation, Jacob follows God’s orders to return … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Parsha (VAYEITZEI) begins with Jacob on the run from his family and home. Although, he leaves with his father, Isaac’s, birthright and blessing, these were obtained under false pretenses. His mother, Rebecca, … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Parsha presents an ancestral tale, which haunts us with its theme of cunning and deception. As the narrative proceeds, we realize that each of the characters, presented in TOLDOT, is caught in … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant The translation of this week’s Torah Parsha (CHAYEI SARAH) is ‘The Life of Sarah’. Ironically, only the first two lines of the Parsha pertain to the death of Sarah; and, no other aspect of … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant Towards the end of last week’s Parsha (LECH LECHA), we read of the supernatural birth of Isaac to Sarah and Abraham. At the time, Abraham was 100 years old; and Sarah was in her … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (LECH LECHA) begins with God’s words to Abram: “Go forth from your birthplace to the land which I will show you; and, I will make you into a great nation, … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha begins: “These are the generations of Noah; Noah was a righteous man for this generation; Noah walked with God” (1). Numerous commentaries have emerged, pertaining to the implication that ‘Noah … Continued
“In the beginning of God’s creation of the heavens and earth, God said: “Let there be light; and, there was light” (1). The first Torah Parsha (BEREISHIT) of the Book of Genesis is probably the most familiar of any other … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant Every year, either in close proximity, or during the ‘Ten Days of Repentance’, we read the penultimate Torah Parsha (HAAZINU). It is no coincidence that when we are experiencing a heightened sense of spirituality, … Continued
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week, we read a double Parshiot (NITZAVIRIM-VAYELECH). After hearing the list of 98 terrifying curses, at the end of last week’s Torah Parsha (KI TAVO), the people were devastated, and questioned whether … Continued