A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: KI TISA (EXODUS 30:11-34:35)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah This week’s Torah Parsha (KI TISA) begins on Mount Sinai, where God is relating to Moses some rather benign instructions, pertaining to final particulars, for completion of the Holy Sanctuary. It is expected that Moses will remain at the top of the mountain for another forty days. Here, he will […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TETZAVEH (EXODUS 27:20-30:10)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   The primary theme of last week’s Torah Parsha (TERUMAH) was the building of the Mishkan (Sanctuary). Each Israelite donated the gold; silver; copper; fabric; and, all of the other materials required to create a dwelling of splendor, where God would live ‘within its midst’. This week’s Torah Parsha […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: TERUMAH (EXODUS 25:1-27:19)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant In last week’s Torah Parsha (MISHPATIM), Moses provided clarification of the Ten Commandments, given to the Israelites, by God, at Mount Sinai. Additionally, the Children of Israel learned the nature of numerous other laws, commandments, prohibitions; and, the consequences for disobedience. This week’s Torah Parsha (TERUMAH), begins with God’s […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: MISHPATIM (EXODUS 21:1-24:18)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   In last week’s Torah Parsha (YITRO), the Ten Commandments rang out from Mount Sinai in a symphony of sound and vision, thunder and lightning – -and the world was forever changed. Although this week’s Parsha (MISHPATIM) lacks the’ Pyrotechnic  Accompaniment’, its message is, in effect, a qualification and […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: YITRO (EXODUS 18:1-20:23)

By  Joy Scott,  Am Haskalah Congregant This week’s Torah Parsha (YITRO) consists of two episodes, which appear to be a study in contrast. In the first (Chapter 18, YITRO), Moses’ father-in-law, a high level Midianite provides Moses lessons in management and governance. In the second, the prime mover is God, Himself, who, in an unprecedented […]