by RabbiOlivier | Mar 8, 2013 | Adult Learning, Torah Reflections
Vayak’heil-P’kudey Exodus 35:1 – 40:38 Our Spiritual Attitude Toward Work This week’s double portion in our Torah reading marks the conclusion of the Book of Exodus. The construction of the Tabernacle begins in earnest, only...
by RabbiOlivier | Feb 9, 2013 | Adult Learning, Torah Reflections
Mishpatim Exodus 21:1 – 24:18 You Shall Be Holy Both this past week and this week’s Torah portions speak of God’s desire for us to be holy. Last week, just before the Decalogue, God said: “… all the earth is Mine, and you shall...
by RabbiOlivier | Feb 1, 2013 | Adult Learning, Torah Reflections
Yitro Exodus 18:1 – 20:23 The End of Belief We finally reached Mount Sinai, ten weeks after escaping Egypt. There, Moses told us we had three days to purify ourselves and wash our clothing in preparation for our meeting with God. And as morning dawned on...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 25, 2013 | Torah Reflections
B’Shalach Exodus 13:17 – 17:16 Then! 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 impassable sea; and they were closing in on...
by RabbiOlivier | Jan 18, 2013 | 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,...