by katie@betalef.org | Feb 15, 2023 | Torah Reflections
Mishpatim: Exodus 21:1 – 24:18 “Our Highest Spiritual Principles” When a person’s ox injures a neighbor’s ox and it dies, they shall sell the live ox and divide its price; they shall also divide the dead animal. If, however, it is known that...
by katie@betalef.org | Feb 7, 2023 | Torah Reflections
Yitro: Exodus 18:1 – 20:23 “It Begins with the Tenth Commandment” The centerpiece of Parashat Yitro is the theophany at Sinai and the gift of the Ten Commandments, the Ten Utterances. On the surface these utterances may appear merely as rules,...
by katie@betalef.org | Feb 1, 2023 | Torah Reflections
B’Shalach: Exodus 13:17 – 17:16 “Why Did They Have to Drown?” The Song at The Sea with its archaic Hebrew style—when compared with the rest of Torah—is probably the most ancient text in the entire Jewish canon. It describes Moses and the...
by katie@betalef.org | Jan 24, 2023 | Torah Reflections
Bo: Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 “From Pharaoh’s Slaves to God’s Slaves” There is a peculiar word in Hebrew that is used interchangeably in this parashah: Avad. At the beginning of the parashah we read: “The Eternal said to Moses: Come to...
by katie@betalef.org | Jan 17, 2023 | Torah Reflections
VaEira: Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 “Worthy and Belonging” At the end of last week’s portion, Moses, having faced Pharaoh’s first rebuke and retaliation upon the Israelite slaves, immediately complains to God. “My Lord, why have You harmed this people;...
