D’varim Haikus 5785

Photo of a road with hills on one side, the ocean on the other and the sut setting in the background

D’varim

Moses’s chronicle
Forty years in the making
The end’s beginning

Va-et’chanan

Moses pleading still
Be seeking, keeping people
Here, hear, stand by Me

Eikev

Do not be haughty
I spoke as your advocate
Revere God’s actions

R’eih

See between choices
Adept at discerning truth
Yes, altruism

Shof’tim

Judicial frameworks
Deter disobedience
Promote tzedakah

Elul

Elul already?
These months evaporated!
Steady, set your mark.

Ki Teitzei

Civilized nations
Protect and adjudicate
Imperfect methods

Ki Tavo
Yes, it’s happening
This land of milk and honey
Conditionally

Nitzavim
This day standing firm
In his final orations
To his final breath

Vayeilech

My end drawing close
Your turning away foretold
God will be hidden

Haazinu

As I am gathered,
I beg for your attention
You’ve given me life

Simchat Torah

Poetic bequests
We have turned and will return
Eternal blessings

Torah Study

About the Author

Helene Kohn

Helene Kohn (she/her) is a Haiku writer, concentrated on weekly Torah portions. Her work also includes Haiku for Jewish holidays and secular seasonal themes. A lifelong Chicagoan, her family has been affiliated with Temple Sholom of Chicago for more than three decades. Helene was honored and privileged to have served as president of the congregation. You may reach her at helenekohn@gmail.com.

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Photo of three people in the kitchen cooking; a man and woman are cooking pasta and a woman is holding an ear of corn

Judaism: The Faith of Feasting

July 14, 2025

The opening chapters of Genesis introduce and establish one of the most enduring elements of Jewish religion, spirituality, and culture: the power of food.