July 2022 – Torah for the 21st Century by Rabbi Ariel Stone

Shabbat Matot-Masei: Rosh Hodesh Av

It’s not the actual act of violence; it’s the conditions that cause it. Conditions that we either contribute to, or have the power to interrupt, with each small act of our own everyday lives. Today is Rosh Hodesh Av 5782. On the Jewish spiritual calendar, today is the first day of the month of Av,Continue reading “Shabbat Matot-Masei: Rosh Hodesh Av”

Shabbat Pinhas: Violence Begins At Home

מִפְּנֵי מָה חָרַב? מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהָיְתָה בּוֹ שִׂנְאַת חִנָּם “why was the Second Temple destroyed? It was destroyed due to the fact that there was sin’at hinam, senseless hatred, among us” – BT Yoma 9.a This week in the Torah our parashah is profoundly disturbing. Last week’s final lines described what our tradition has defined as an “extrajudicial execution” undertaken by a member ofContinue reading “Shabbat Pinhas: Violence Begins At Home”

Shabbat Balak: We’re Alone Out Here

We are usually distracted enough by the talking ass in our parashat hashavua to fail to notice some of the other more sobering moments of the story of the mercenary prophet Balaam and King Balak of Moab. The very idea of a talking animal might lead us to miss the fact that she is theContinue reading “Shabbat Balak: We’re Alone Out Here”

Shabbat Hukkat: Stop Making Sense

What are we to do when life is confusing, frightening, and distressing? For Jews and those who follow the Jewish spiritual path with us, there is only one answer: Torah. Immerse yourself in the ancient wellsprings that sustained our ancestors, you will find that they hold you up too. This week in parashat Hukkat our ancestorsContinue reading “Shabbat Hukkat: Stop Making Sense”

Shabbat Korakh: All the People are Holy but that’s not the point

Are you an American Jew or a Jewish American? In the 1970s I remember the Jewish community doing “values clarification” exercises in summer camp, shul learning, and adult education. The questions and discussions revolved around the concept of identity: are you a Jew who happens to live in the U.S. or are you an AmericanContinue reading “Shabbat Korakh: All the People are Holy but that’s not the point”