by katie@betalef.org | Jun 3, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Freedom From The Yoke of Desires: Nasso Nasso: Numbers 4:21-7:89 As we often hear, mindfulness practice is the art of being present to each moment, of paying attention to each experience in our everyday life. Interestingly enough, in Hebrew, the expression for... by katie@betalef.org | May 20, 2020 | Torah Reflections
We Lose Our self to Find Our Self: B’midbar B-midbar: Numbers 1:1 – 4:20 The midrash relating to the opening of this week’s Torah portion, “B’midbar,” meaning: “In the wilderness;” asks its reader: “Why was the... 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 | May 11, 2020 | Torah Reflections
“An Eye For an Eye”: Retributive or Restorative Justice?: Emor Emor: Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23 Toward the end of this week’s Torah portion we find the verses that have fueled centuries of anti-Semitism and often been a pretext for abandoning one’s... by katie@betalef.org | Apr 29, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Pursuit of Holiness: Acharei Mot-Kedoshim Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the entire Israelite community and say to them: You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal your God, am holy. [Lev. 19:1-2] Most... by katie@betalef.org | Apr 23, 2020 | Torah Reflections
We Are Energy Beings: Tazria-Metzora Tazria-Metzora: Leviticus 12:1-15:33 This week’s Torah portion is, admittedly, a challenge to our modern sensibilities. This portion talks about tzara’at, a skin affliction most translators define as leprosy; although no one knows...