Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32) — Exiting the month of the festivals and entering into the cold month of Marcheshvan. How does this relate to Noah and the flood? What does Noah then teach us for our own journey through life? The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide In a generation that has been corrupted by violence … Read more
Introspection on the High Holydays reveals the fissures and the cracks; joy on Sukkot enables the healing and the growth. (excerpted from Moshe Kempinski’s upcoming book “ Accessing Inner Joy, the biblical Festivals) We have entered into and experienced the month of Tishrei as a period of great soul searching and introspection. We have hopefully … Read more
In the Torah portion of “Acharei Mot “ ( Leviticus 16:1-18-30) we read the following regarding Yom Kippur: “For on this day it shall atone ( Yechaper) for you to cleanse ( LeTaher) you. Before HaShem, you shall be cleansed from all your sins .It is a shabbat of solemn rest unto you, and you … Read more
Haazinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-52) — G-d’s language of rebuke and blessings. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide The greater part of the Torah reading of Haazinu is a song, but it is a song of rebuke. Why would Moshe use his last day to rebuke his people and do it as a song? The song … Read more
We read in parshat Vayelech the following Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach thou it the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel. (Deut 31: 18-19) G-d’s word, the Bible, has been described in many ways. … Read more
Nitzavim-Vayelech (Deut. 29:9–31:30) — The Torah portion of teshuva, returning to one’s core. The portion gives directions and tools for both the private and the national spiritual return. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide The Parshah of Nitzavim, which comes before Rosh Hashana, prepares the people for individual and national repentance. The code word … Read more
The beginning of the Torah Portion of Ki Tavo begins with the Hebrew word VeHaya: And it will be,( Ve Haya) when you come into the land which the Lord, your God, gives you for an inheritance, and you possess it and settle in it,( Deuteronomy 26:1) . We are told by the Midrash Rabba … Read more
Parshat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1–29:8) — This portion focuses on the centrality of joy in our lives and in our walk with our Creator. The Shorashim Torah Study and Overview Guide Moshe tells the people that when you enter the land and begin to settle and cultivate it you must bring the first ripened fruits … Read more
