Posts Tagged Torah Commentary

"The Dangers of Giving in to Fear"

D'Var Torah By: Cantor Jamie Marx

Although we have an entire book and a half of the Torah left, the Israelites have already arrived at the border of the Promised Land as we start this week's portion, Sh'lach L'cha.

"Rebelling Against Freedom"

D'Var Torah By: Cantor Jamie Marx

Mere steps into their journey to the Promised Land, the Israelites have already had enough. They're tired of the divine manna and want meat.

"Vows of Volunteerism"

D'Var Torah By: Cantor Jamie Marx

In this week's portion, Naso, we read about the Nazarite vow, which balances those three qualities: a desire to serve, a need to strive, and a measure of restraint. It's a voluntary, temporary commitment to God's service.

“How to Pack for a Long Journey”

D'Var Torah By: Cantor Jamie Marx

Numbers is a book for adults. Not because of sexual content (that would be Genesis) or theological complexity (Exodus), but because it's about choices and consequences. Every choice we make will generate an infinite number of reactions.

Living with Uncertainty

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Andy Gordon

I can only imagine what it was like to be an Israelite. Our ancestors, after centuries of slavery and imprisonment, were finally free. But that freedom came with a cost: they needed to spend 40 years wandering in the wilderness.

Opening Up to Each Other

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Andy Gordon

This interpretation teaches that the blasphemer first wanted to express to the Israelite community that he was just like them. He blesses God, just as they did. But, as they continue to quarrel with him, question his beliefs, and separate themselves from him, he does the only thing left in his power: curse God.

We Are All Culpable

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Andy Gordon

This Shabbat, we arrive, smack dab in the middle of the Torah. The double portion Acharei Mot-Kedoshim includes the Holiness Code which serves as the very heart of the Torah.

Moving Forward: The Eighth Day

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Andy Gordon

If Parashat Sh’mini was an episode of a TV show, it would begin with dramatic music followed by a big, booming voice announcing: “Previously in the Torah, our ancestors navigated the meaning of purity and sacrifice. The kohanim prepared for their ordination as the spiritual leaders of the Israelite community.

Looking Out for Those in Need

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Andy Gordon

This week’s double Torah portion, Parashat Tazria/M’tzora, is a doozy! The poor bar/bat/bet mitzvah student whose celebratory moment falls on this Shabbat!

The Multitude of Voices

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Andy Gordon

Our Passover story is a complex tale that addresses over 400 years of history. There is one modern ritual that typically occurs during the middle of the seder that celebrates our freedom. Many Reform and liberal Jews pour water into a cup to remember Miriam, a prophet and leader of our community in her own right.