by Sarah Gazitt | Aug 25, 2023 | General
Ki Teitzei Deuteronomy 21:10 – 25:19 Ki Teitzei is the last Torah portion to present us with a collection of laws. Like other parashiot that are heavy on rules and regulations, this one has us struggling with some aspects of the text and truly moved by others....
by katie@betalef.org | Jan 11, 2022 | General
B’Shalach: Exodus 13:17 – 17:16 “God Works in Wondrous Ways” 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...
by katie@betalef.org | May 13, 2020 | General, Torah Reflections
The Evolving God of Our Understanding: B’har-B’chukotai B’har-B’chukotai: Leviticus 25:1 – 27:34 The last Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus, B’chukotai, begins with: “If you follow My laws and faithfully observe My...
by katie@betalef.org | Apr 3, 2020 | General
Readings for A Memorial Service Download the...
by RabbiOlivier | May 11, 2017 | General
On Friday, May 5, I was among nearly two dozen people who went to the Chase branch on Capitol Hill to pray and express our concern over the bank’s lead role in funding the Keystone XL oil pipeline. Elizabeth Burton of Bet Alef also took part, as did Seattle First...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 30, 2017 | General, 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 opening: “God spoke to...
