by RabbiOlivier | Jan 25, 2013 | Torah Reflections
B’Shalach Exodus 13:17 – 17:16 Then! This week’s Torah portion has all the traits of a great adventure novel. We ran away, but they pursued us. We took an unexpected turn that brought us to the edge of an impassable sea; and they were closing in on...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 18, 2013 | Torah Reflections
Bo Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 From Pharaoh’s Slaves to God’s Slaves There is one peculiar word in Hebrew that is used interchangeably in this week’s Torah portion. While the Torah portion itself tells of the last plagues wrought upon Egypt by God and,...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 11, 2013 | Torah Reflections
Va’eira Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 Many Faces of God This week’s Torah portion opens with a compelling affirmation: “God (Elohim) spoke to Moses and said to him: ‘I Am the Eternal (YHVH).'” [Ex. 6:2] I often wonder how people read this...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 1, 2013 | Torah Reflections
Another year is drawing to a close and, unfortunately, these past few weeks have been emotionally wrenching. My thoughts are, especially, with the families of Newton, but this past year has seen tragedies near and far, in our own city of Seattle and in the lands of...