A Bissel of Torah Parsha

By Joy Scott, Congregant A ‘prophet for hire’, a talking donkey, and flying angels: This is not a child’s fairy tale; but, rather the essence of this week’s Torah Parsha (BALAK). The Parsha begins with the Israelites continuing their journey … Continued

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In an almost imperceptible yet seismic shift, this week’s Torah Parsha (CHUKAT) jumps several decades ahead in the wilderness journey of the Israelites; and its narrative reads like a riddle inside a riddle. The … Continued

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (SHELACH), twelve ‘spies’, after scouting the land of Canaan for forty days, returned with a blatantly, exaggerated falsehood, pertaining to the strength and size of the inhabitants, who were … Continued

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (BEHALOTECHA), we read about the Israelite’s turbulent saga of disillusionment, with their way of life in the desert. This week’s  Parsha (SHELACH) takes a new and momentarily promising turn, … Continued

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   Slightly after a year of being rescued from Egypt, this week’s Parsha provides a glimpse into Moses’ psyche, as well as the state of mind of the Israelites. As the plan continues at … Continued

A ‘BISSEL’ OF TORAH PARSHA: NASO (NUMBERS 4:21-7:89) By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (NASO) begins with a continuation of last week’s Parsha (BAMIDBAR), completing the census of the Children of Israel, and assigning the intricate … Continued

by Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant Last week’s Torah Parsha (BECHUKOTAI) was the final portion in the Book of LEVITICUS. The entire Book of LEVITICUS provided us with dozens of commandments, directives, and sins; with corresponding punishments if any of … Continued

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Parsha (BECHUKOTAI) sets out with stunning clarity the terms of Jewish life under the covenant. In the first part, there is an idyllic picture of the blessing of Divine favor. If Israel … Continued

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   In the Book of EXODUS, we read how God miraculously overcame all obstacles to finally liberate the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery and bondage, in Egypt. The primary focus of the … Continued

In last week’s Torah Parsha (ACHAREI MOT), we read about how, as a community, we atone for an enumeration of sins and Transgressions, during the Yom Kippur service. This week’s Parsha (KEDOSHIM) begins with the Lord speaking to Moses: “Bring … Continued