by RabbiOlivier | Oct 13, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Bereshit Genesis 1:1 – 6:8 Cain & Abel: A Teaching on Generosity Abel was a Shepherd and Cain tilled the soil. And it was, after the passing of days, that Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the Eternal; and as for Abel, he too...
by RabbiOlivier | May 19, 2017 | Torah Reflections
B’har – B’chukotai Leviticus 25:1 – 27:34 The Evolving God of Our Understanding The last Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus, B’chukotai, begins with: “If you follow My laws and faithfully observe My commandments…” [Lev. 26:3] and continues...
by RabbiOlivier | Apr 28, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Tazria-Met’zora Leviticus 12:1 – 15:33 We Are Energy Bodies 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...
by RabbiOlivier | Mar 3, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Mishpatim Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 Temples Within Temples Within Temples We find, in this week’s Parashah the Divine injunction that adorns Bet Alef’s new ark: “V’asu Li Mik’dash, v’Shachan’ti b’tocham – Let them make Me a Sanctuary that I might dwell among them.”...
by RabbiOlivier | Feb 27, 2017 | Torah Reflections
Mishpatim Exodus 21:1 – 24:18 The Angel Within Can you imagine what it must have been like the day after? Just yesterday we were at the foot of Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. It was big. It was thunderous. Our bodies were shaking, our senses were...