by RabbiOlivier | Jan 19, 2018 | 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, in...
by RabbiOlivier | Dec 1, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Vayishlach Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 Awakening from Within the Silence 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, as soon as our eyes...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 24, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Vayeitzei Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 God Was in This Place 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 did not know it!’”...
by RabbiOlivier | Nov 10, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Chayei Sarah Genesis 23:1 – 25:18 When Isaac Met Rebekah This week’s Torah portion opens with Abraham setting out to find a wife for his son Isaac. To do so, he sends his most faithful servant back to the city of Nachor, his hometown, to find him a spouse from...
by katie@betalef.org | Aug 28, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Shoftim Deuteronomy 16:18 – 21:9 The Healing Power of Self-Awareness This week marks the beginning of the month of Elul, the last month of the Jewish year. Less than 29 days separate us from Rosh HaShanah, New Year’s Day. Elul is a month of preparation ahead of...