In this final Torah portion of Sefer Shemot, the Book of Exodus, Moshe puts the finishing touches on the Mishkan. Parshat Pekudei has a common refrain: “As the LORD commanded Moses,” reminiscent of the refrain at the end of the first creation story in Genesis 1: “And it was evening, and it was morning, day x.” The Torah is being Continue Reading »
In addition to continuing the regular sequence of Torah portions, this week sees the beginning of the four special readings in the weeks leading up to Pesah. After reading Parshat Vayakhel, which tells of the fulfilment of many of the recently given instructions to build the mishkan, we turn to Maftir Shekalim, where we find the poll tax. That Continue Reading »
While this week’s Torah reading, Ki Tissa, doesn’t begin with great drama, it soon turns to one of the most troubling narratives in all of Torah. The Israelites, unable to tolerate Moshe’s absence, insist that Aharon build them a replacement. Het Ha’Egel, the Sin of the Golden Calf, is a stain on almost everyone involved. Not even Continue Reading »
The Mishkan is our continued focus this week, as we read about pure olive oil and sacred clothing. As we encounter Parshat Tetzaveh, we find Moshe instructed to get his brother and nephews ready for their forthcoming priestly roles with bigdei kodesh, “sacral vestments.” In this particular case, clothes make the man–the uniform is a key component of the Continue Reading »
The next several Torah portions contain the detailed instructions for the building of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary that would serve the Israelites in their wilderness journey. Of course, it will serve as the model for the Temple in Jerusalem. It is ornate in some ways and simple in others. Notice that the more precious materials Continue Reading »
After reading about God’s will in terms of big-picture commandments, this week’s Torah reading turns to laser-focus detail. Parshat Mishpatim demonstrates a shift from narrative, which has been the genre of the Torah up to this point, to an emphasis on law. But at the end of the portion, we find another narrative–and an alternate telling of Continue Reading »
This Shabbat, I will be addressing the events of last Shabbat in Colleyville. I’m using this space to say a few words about what I’m not going to speak about. For thoughts about antisemitism, we can all read these excellent and important essays: Deborah Lipstadt Yair Rosenberg Bari Weiss They express what American Jews are Continue Reading »
After releasing the Israelites, Pharaoh realizes that they aren’t coming back, and regrets his decision. He gathers his crack chariot corps and chases down the Israelites, trapping them by the Sea of Reeds. The miracle that ensues inspires another miracle–the Israelites finally have faith in God and in Moshe, God’s emissary. That faith is tested Continue Reading »
The confrontation between Pharaoh and God (through Moshe and Aharon) continues this week. It becomes even more contentious when Pharaoh boots them out of the palace. But there’s still one more plague to announce: makkat bekhorot, the slaying of the firstborn. Israel won’t be safe from this carnage unless they follow the instructions, as they are Continue Reading »
We ended last week’s Torah reading with a despondent Moshe feeling that he was right in the first place: he wasn’t the right person for the job of leading the Israelites to freedom. But God reassures him that redemption is coming, even as it won’t be easy. Pharaoh will not let Israel go, just as Continue Reading »
