Ekev is a great Parsha! It becomes even clearer that G!d is in need of our right actions in order to be Godself. This understanding is explored beautifully in the teachings of Abraham Joshua Heschel is his work God in Search of Man.
Read MoreWe are entering a new chapter in our lives. I’m not just talking about the Book of Exodus: Shmot, or 2022.
Parshat Shmot describes the enslavement of the Hebrews in Egypt, the birth, rescue and adoption of Moses by Pharoah’s daughter. It also highlights Moses’ decision to ally himself with the enslaved people, inviting Pharoah’s wrath and forcing him to flee Egypt.
Read MoreVa’Yechi, “and Jacob lived in the land of Mitzrayim seventeen years….”
We notice that it doesn’t say “ and Jacob dwelled - VaYeshev - in the land of Egypt...”. The wording, VaYechi, implies he "lived fully" there, reunited with his son, Joseph, and seeing the reconciliation between his children. Jacob now prepares to die. What we see in this Parsha is how he approaches death and the meaningfulness of his final words to his children. In his last days or hours Jacob is both the father and the prophet. Clearly, he put a lot of thought into what he would say. Our anonymous biblical editor certainly did.
Read MoreNo doubt you will be receiving this newsletter as we enter Yom Kippur. Please read the newsletter when you get a chance because it contains information about upcoming activities and resources that you may find meaningful and enjoy.
Read MoreWe are now in the Yamim HaNoraim, the Ten Days of Awe. Below are a few teachings to help us focus on these Days.
“As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines. Such decline is an alarming symptom of our state of mind. Humankind will not perish for want of information, but only for want of appreciation.” A.J.Heschel
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