by katie@betalef.org | Aug 14, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Waking Up From Our Collective Amnesia: Re’eh Re’eh: Deuteronomy 11:26 – 16:17 See! I place before you today a blessing and a curse. The blessing, that you listen to the mitzvot of the Eternal your God, that I enjoin upon you today; and the curse if...
by katie@betalef.org | Jun 30, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Practicing Gemilut Chasadim to Change the World: Chukat-Balak Chukat-Balak: Numbers 19:1-25:9 One of the most popular writings of the Hebrew Bible is Pirkei Avot. Mistakenly translated as “Ethics of the Fathers,” it truly means: “First Principles.” The second...
by katie@betalef.org | Jun 25, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Rebel Within: Korach Korach: Numbers 16:1-18:32 This week’s Torah portion retells the famous story of the rebellion of Korach. Korach challenges Moses and Aharon’s authority and their system of rule over the Hebrews. “All the community are holy, each and...
by katie@betalef.org | Jun 20, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Journey Through Our Inner Landscape: Sh’lach Lecha Sh’lach Lecha: Numbers 13:1-15:41 This week’s Torah portion exemplifies for me the powerful impact Torah study can have on our daily lives. The text brings us to the episode of the scouts Moses sends,...
by katie@betalef.org | Jun 10, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Many Branches of Our Inner Menorah: B’haalot’cha B’haalot’cha: Numbers 8:1-12:16 The Eternal spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to Aaron and say to him, “When you kindle the lamps, toward the face of the Menorah shall the seven lamps cast...
by katie@betalef.org | Jun 3, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Freedom From The Yoke of Desires: Nasso Nasso: Numbers 4:21-7:89 As we often hear, mindfulness practice is the art of being present to each moment, of paying attention to each experience in our everyday life. Interestingly enough, in Hebrew, the expression for...
