A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: DEVARIM (DEUTERONOMY 1:1-3:21)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   This week’s Torah parsha, Devarim, is the first in the last book of the Torah, Deuteronomy. The entire book denotes a major shift from each of the four earlier books. We read how Moses was the liaison between God’s Word and the Israelites, served as their leader and […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: HA’AZINU (DEUTERONOMY 32:1- 32:5)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   Every year, either in proximity, or during the ‘Ten Days of Repentance,’ we read the penultimate Torah parsha, Ha’azinu. It is no coincidence that when we are experiencing a heightened sense of spirituality, we are enjoined to hear Moses’ final words to The Children of Israel. For a […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: NITZAVIM-VAYELECH (DEUTERONOMY 29:9-31:30)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant     This week, we read a double parshiot: Nitzavim-Vayelech. After hearing the list of 98 terrifying curses at the end of last week’s parsha (Ki Tavo), the people were devastated and questioned whether they could possibly withstand such frightful punishments. Moses responded with the opening statement of parsha […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: KI TAVO (DEUTERONOMY 26:1-29:8)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah congregant   This week’s parsha, Ki Tavo, begins with instructions from Moses to the Children of Israel. They are directed that on the very day that they cross the Jordan, to create two huge stones on which each word of the Torah will be clearly written. At that point, The […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: KI TEITZEI (DEUTERONOMY 21:10-25:19)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   This week’s Torah parsha, Ki Teitzei, occurs as the Children of Israel are at the brink of embarking on war with hostile nations, as they tirelessly struggle to reach the ‘Promised Land.’ The parsha comprises seventy-four of the Torah’s six hundred and thirteen commandments. The separate commandments pertaining […]