Shortly after a year of being rescued from Egypt, this week’s Torah Parsha (BEHAALOTECHA) provides a glimpse into Moses’ psyche, as well as the state of mind of the Israelites. The Children of Israel have just learned that via God’s instructions to Moses, they will soon be leaving Mount Sinai, to journey further into the […]
Posts with the Bissel of Torah tag
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: NASO (NUMBERS 4:21-7:89)
This week’s Torah Parsha (NASO) begins with a continuation of Parsha (BAMIDBAR); completing the census of the Children of Israel, and assigning the intricate details of the tasks to be performed by each individual tribe, in the transporting of the Tabernacle. With 176 verses, NASO is both the longest portion of the Torah, and the […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BAMIDAR (NUMBERS 1:1-4:20)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant Last week, we concluded the reading of the Book of LEVITICUS, with the reading of Parsha (BECHUKOTAI). This week, we begin the Book of NUMBERS, with plans to dismantle the Tabernacle, and to re-build it further into the wilderness. In the second year of the EXODUS, God spoke to […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BECHUKOTA (LEVITICUS 26:3-27:34)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant The final Parsha, BECHUKOTA, in the Book of LEVITICUS begins with stunning clarity of the terms of Jewish life under the covenant. In the first part, there is an idyllic picture of the blessing of Divine favor. If the Israelites follow God’s decrees and keep His commandments, there will […]
A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: BEHAR (LEVITICUS 25:1-26:2)
By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah, Congregant This week, we read a double Parshiot, (BEHAR) followed by (BECHUKOT), ending the Book of Leviticus. The primary themes of Parsha (BEHAR) are laws and commandments, pertaining to freedom, equality, and charity with ‘dignity’. The Lord spoke to Moses and said: “Tell the Children of Israel, you may sow […]