Atonement is really At-One-Ment. This lovely play on the English word conveys the truth that the Jewish concept of “sin” is simply that which separates us from each other, and from the wholeness to which we are meant to belong. It is a “missing the mark” which leaves us feeling alone and vulnerable. The onlyContinue reading “Shabbat Ki Tisa: At One Ment”
Monthly Archives: February 2019
Shabbat Tetzaveh: Values Are Not Expendable
Our parashat hashauva for this week is Tetzaveh, which can literally be translated “tell them what to do.” One reason for the Torah’s powerful presence in our people’s lives over several millennia is the sure sense, explicitly offered, that someone is telling us the right thing to do. If only we had such a plumbContinue reading “Shabbat Tetzaveh: Values Are Not Expendable”
Shabbat Mishpatim: Law and Order
The Talmud records that other peoples used to make fun of the Jews, as it was well known in the ancient world already that we had entered into a covenant with HaShem, with all its opportunities and responsibilities, without asking to see the fine print. That was last week; this week, we read many of theContinue reading “Shabbat Mishpatim: Law and Order”
Torah for the 21st Century by Rabbi Ariel Stone 