by katie@betalef.org | Jan 5, 2022 | Torah Reflections
Bo: Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 “God Works in Wondrous Ways” Our Torah portion opens, this week, with the last four plagues to befall Egypt. Then the Eternal One said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh. For I have hardened his heart… so that I...
by katie@betalef.org | Dec 15, 2021 | Torah Reflections
Vayechi: Genesis 47:28 – 50:26 “Awakening to a Deeper Trust” Trust is a central tenet in our tradition. Judaism is not a creedal religion, by which I mean that no acceptance of a specific theological system, no adoption of dogma, is required...
by katie@betalef.org | Dec 8, 2021 | Torah Reflections
Vayigash: Genesis 44:18 – 47:27 “Four Jewish Noble Truths” This week’s Torah portion marks the critical moment when Jacob and his clan descend into Egypt, setting up the stage for what will unfold next: enslavement, suffering, redemption and...
by katie@betalef.org | Dec 1, 2021 | Torah Reflections
Chanukah Reflection 5782 “The Next Messiah” The holiday of Chanukah is a celebration of light, the commemoration of an ancient miracle. It is a time for us to reflect on the light in our life, and be reminded of the miracle that is life. Chanukah...
by katie@betalef.org | Nov 16, 2021 | Torah Reflections
Vayishlach: Genesis 32:4 – 36:43 “Honoring Our Fears” In the previous Torah portion we read about Jacob’s vision of the ladder that came to him in a dream. At the end of that vision God appears to him to say: “And here I am, with you. I will...
by katie@betalef.org | Nov 10, 2021 | Torah Reflections
Vayeitzei: Genesis 28:10 – 32:3 “Vision Quest” It is undeniable that some stones in Jerusalem radiate a certain energy. We, as Jews, come to pray at the Western Wall that supported the ancient Holy Temple built on Mount Moriah. We touch the...
