by RabbiOlivier | May 31, 2013 | Adult Learning, Torah Reflections
Sh’lach L’cha Numbers 13:1 – 15:41 Why The Spies Were Wrong This week, in Torah, we meet again the story of the twelve elders, leaders of the Hebrew tribes, whom Moses sends to spy upon the Land of Canaan ahead of the...
by RabbiOlivier | Apr 12, 2013 | Adult Learning, Torah Reflections
Tazria – Metzora Leviticus 12:1- 15:33 The Energy Body We Are 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;...
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...