Torah Talk for Parashat Ha’azinu
September 20, 2018
At the end of Moshe’s last speech to Bnei Yisrael, Hashem tells Moshe to write down a song to teach to the Israelites. “Put this song in their mouths,” Hashem says, “so that the words may become a witness for Me against them. After I bring them to the land that flows with milk and […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Vayelech
September 12, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe concludes his speech to Bnei Yisrael, blesses Yehoshua, and instructs the community to gather every seven years to read publicly from the Torah; Hashem predicts the eventual straying of Bnei Yisrael. If I had to give a title to this Torah Talk, I would call it, “It’s All About Our Children.” […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Nitzavim
September 5, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe describes the brit (covenant) between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, urging Bnei Yisrael to uphold the brit and honor the Torah so that they may be rewarded with life in the land of Israel. This parasha contains an eternal promise, giving us hope even today (Chapter 30, verses 1-6). Read more >
We Are Making History Together
August 30, 2018
Together, we are making history! In a few short days, we will joyfully open the doors to our two beautiful campuses. We can’t wait for you to visit and see the bright classrooms, inviting community spaces, and shared learning spaces including the Beit Midrash, two science labs, a design lab, an art room, a music […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Ki Tavo
August 28, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael (the Israelites) on the first fruit offering, then elaborates on the terms of the covenant by listing the blessings for fulfilling the commandments and the punishments for disobeying them. The Torah sometimes contains subtle messages in the ways it phrases verses. A case in point comes in this […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Ki Tetze
August 21, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe enumerates many laws that relate to topics of family relationships, interpersonal ethics, and forbidden mixtures. Jewish laws fall into two categories: those that apply at all times, known as apodictic laws, and those that apply only if and when something specific happens, known as casuistic laws. Parashat Ki Tetze is full […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Shoftim
August 14, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe reviews the justice system for the Bnei Yisrael, talks about the limits future kings should have on their possessions, and explains that the Kohanim [priests] and Levi’im [Levites] should not be paid and should survive on donations from the people. Finally, Moshe explains the laws of warfare. In chapter 17, verse […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Re’eh
August 7, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael (the Israelites) regarding idolatry, false prophets, pure and impure foods, tithes, freeing slaves, and pilgrimage festivals. In chapter 12, verses 8-14, the Torah addresses the importance of a central place of worship for the Jewish people, and forbids bringing sacrifices on a bamah, a private altar. Read more […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Ekev
July 31, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe continues his speech to the Bnei Yisrael, reminding them to keep Hashem’s commandments when they enter the land of Israel. The mandate to say Birkat Hamazon, Grace After Meals, comes from this parasha. Chapter 8 verse 10 says, “You will eat and be satisfied and bless Hashem your God on the […]
Torah Talk for Parashat Va’etchanan
July 24, 2018
In this parasha, Moshe stresses to the Bnei Yisrael the importance of keeping Hashem’s commandments when they enter the land of Israel; Moshe repeats the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten Commandments, and utters the Shema and V’ahavta, the ultimate statement of belief in and fealty to the One God. The Oral Law tells us that there […]
