Torah Talk - Archive

Torah Talk Oct 9, 2010
Parashat Noah

Everyone loves the Noah story. From almost total annihilation to the rainbow of hope, we take comfort knowing that HaShem promised to not destroy the world again by flood. What about earthquake, volcano, oil spill, nuclear bombs, ecological devastation? Modern man has the capacity to destroy the world, not the way we usually think of being in the image of G-d. 

 After the flood everyone speaks one language and has a common goal of building a city with a tower (of Babel) to heaven. Too dangerous, says the Man on High who must not want visitors. He "confounded their speech" so they couldn't understand each other and dispersed them.  Was there a time of peace and unity after evil was destroyed with the flood? What bad did He suspect would come from working together in harmony? How can we work for the oneness of the world and bringing back our scattered people when according to the Torah, G-d ended this time of unity.

Join us in the library after services to discuss these  puzzling implications of the parsha Noah or any thoughts you have from  your Torah reading

May 22
Parshat Naso
Numbers 4:21-7:89

The Tabernacle is almost ready to be used. Final instructions are being given; the last  jobs assigned. Like the kiss of the father before the bride walks down the aisle to start a life apart, G-d tells Moses the words to be used to "bless the people of Israel" (6:22), what we know as the Priestly Blessing recited every morning in the Amidah, the High Holidays, and even in most Christian churches: "The Lord bless you and keep you..." What makes this 3 line prayer so powerful, comforting and universal? 

Not quite as lofty is the test for a wife accused of adultery that sounds like a lose/lose situation for her; the vows of abstinence for the zealous Nazarite and the gifts for the twelve days of the dedication of the Mishkan
that could be the basis of a catchy holiday song.

April 17
Parshat Tazria-Metzora   Lev 12:1 - 15:33

What is the line between pure and impure, clean and dirty, holy and unholy? This parsha discusses so many of the yucky aspects of life, many which we today consider natural processes and gives rules to return the person, fabric or dwelling back to a state of purity. Should acne or leprosy be seen as a sign of divine punishment? Should we call the rabbi if we find mold in our homes to help return the place to purity? Is sex or childbirth sacred or dirty? Would the "cures" prescribed be considered an intrusion into our private lives today?

Join our discussion in the library 15 minutes after services

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.

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