Torah Talk - Archive
March 6
Torah narrative doesn't get much better than Ki Tissa (Ex 30:11-34:35). The center of the story is the Golden Calf incident. I see this as an example for how easily we lose faith, get distracted from the holy path, follow the crowd. Is human nature inherently good or bad? HaShem describes us as a stiff necked people (Ex 33:5); Aaron says "You know that this people is bent on evil" (Ex 32:22). Thank goodness we are forgiven by both Moses and HaSHem. When Moses is granted a glimpse of G-d"s "backside", he is given the 13 attributes of G-d (34:6) that we recite Yom Kippur. Will we be "in the image of G-d" if we emulate these qualities, live by the 10 Commandments, and keep the holidays and mitzvot all which are given to us in this chapter? Moses makes a replacement set of Tablets and writes the Ten Commandments on it. Could this be code that the Torah was written by man but inspired by our need for holy rules?
Come join us for our discussion of these ideas or any thoughts that you have while reading the Parsha. We meet in the library 15 minutes after oneg.
Feb 6
In Parsha Yitro Moses sets up a system of elders to serve as judges so he doesn't have to solve all the problems. Then he goes up the mountain and brings back the 10 Commandments, sometimes translated as the 10 Suggestions. Now we really needed the court system! Obviously, the crimes haven't changed much in 3000 years despite our improved technology: broken oaths,disrespect of our parents and seniors, envy, murder, a few infidelities, idol worship, (be they clay figures or sports figures), not going to shul on Shabbos. Plenty to discuss as we struggle to live by these ethical principles.
We meet in the library 15 minutes after services. Everyone is welcome
TORAH TALK
JANUARY 9
Welcome to the Book Of Exodus, the chronicle of our nation building as Jacob's family becomes the people of Israel. In the opening parsha, Shemot, the Hebrews are enslaved, Moses grows from baby in basket to royal pain in Pharaoh's royal side with his “Let my people go” speech. Would you believe Moses or choose him as your leader? What does the name Hashem tells Moses at the burning bush, “I Will Be What I Will Be” mean? Read this portion with fresh eyes. Bring your questions and comments to Torah Talk; be ready for a lively discussion. We meet in the library 15 minutes after services.
Torah Talk December 19 Parsha Miketz
Joseph. Last week he was my hero; the arrogant kid turned appreciative mench, giving all credit to HaShem. This portion, Miketz, he rises from dungeon to head of state. How does he use this power over the people? Does he stay humble? Is it mench-like to use the famine to indenture all the starving Egyptians? What about the mind games he plays on his unsuspecting brothers? How do our sages interpret his actions? What would his therapist say? What lessons can we take from this portion to apply to our own lives, to our sense of justice, brotherly love, to living by the Hillel's Golden Rule: do unto others as you want done unto you?.
Meet in the library after the oneg for a stimulating discussion based on the Torah portion and any thoughts or questions you might have. No prior attendance or study required, just the Jewish desire to have an opinion and share it with the group.
Helene Frankel
314-726-0661
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