Read & Listen

Rabbi Jonathan tells the story of his mother's first cousin, Hela Rufeisen Schupper, one of the "The Nazi-Fighting Women of the Jewish Resistance."

This is one of the most mystifying passages in the Torah. Why are Nadav and Avihu consumed by YHVH’s fire? ... Why does Moses express no sympathy or grief? Why is Aaron silent? What is their understanding of the import of these deaths?

I have found ... that reading the Haftarah portion as a form of rabbinic commentary on its accompanying Torah portion is a very fruitful approach. The Haftarah of Tzav is an excellent example.

For the modern reader, the book of Leviticus appears to be an odd and even unwelcome intrusion into the grand saga of our ancestors. ... But what if the Torah — the Five Books of Moses — is not organized into the narrative shape to which we modern readers are accustomed?

As the book of Exodus comes to a close, we are reminded that we are endowed with ru’akh Elohim — a Divine spirit of wisdom, skill and knowledge in all manner of craft. We have been freed from bondage in order to realize our true, creative, noble and free nature.

Moses has descended once again from the mountain, face aglow, carrying the tablets with the restored covenant in his arms. God has forgiven the Children of Israel for their transgressions with the Golden Calf. They are finally ready to begin creating God’s dwelling place in the heart of their community.

We examine two topics in this week's portion. First, what parallels can we draw between the episode of the Golden Calf - a rebellion and its aftermath - with the storming of the U.S. Capitol this past January? Second, reflecting on the brilliant teaching of the late Rabbi Lord Sacks, what are the pros and cons of we Jews being a historically "stiff-necked" people?

How does the Torah describe God? Not by doctrine or dogma, but by encounter. Not with systematic theology, but with stories. I find this approach refreshing. Stories do not demand agreement or adherence; they invite engagement.