by katie@betalef.org | Jan 19, 2021 | Torah Reflections
Freedom Through Compassion: Bo Bo: Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 The verses of our weekly Torah reading focuses on the ten plagues that God inflicts upon Egypt as part of His liberation plan for us. Following each Divine strike, Moses is sent to plead with Pharaoh... by katie@betalef.org | Jan 15, 2021 | Torah Reflections
The Many Names of God: Va’Eira Va’Eira: Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 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:... by katie@betalef.org | Dec 9, 2020 | Torah Reflections
We, Truly, Make a Difference: VaYeishev VaYeishev: Genesis 37:1 – 40:23 Reuben is a character that is mostly overlooked in these weeks’ Torah portions dominated by the stories of Jacob and Joseph. Reuben is Jacob’s firstborn son, from his first wife,... by katie@betalef.org | Dec 2, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Gorgeous Gift of Being Surrendered: VaYishlach VaYishlach: Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 One of the first revelations that meditation gifts us with is an encounter with the unbelievable noise that lies within us, right behind our closed eyes. As if by magic,... by katie@betalef.org | Nov 24, 2020 | Torah Reflections
God Was In This Place!: VaYeitzei VaYeitzei: Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 There is one verse in this week’s Torah portion which encompasses the entirety of the Kabbalistic endeavor: “Waking from his sleep, Jacob said, ‘Truly, the Eternal is in this place, and I... by katie@betalef.org | Nov 18, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Inward Bound: Tol’dot Tol’dot: Genesis 25:19 – 28:9 There is a popular ice-breaker I often use to start a workshop or a meeting. I ask the people present, as they introduce themselves to the group, to add before their name an adjective that...