by katie@betalef.org | May 20, 2020 | Torah Reflections
We Lose Our self to Find Our Self: B’midbar B-midbar: Numbers 1:1 – 4:20 The midrash relating to the opening of this week’s Torah portion, “B’midbar,” meaning: “In the wilderness;” asks its reader: “Why was the...
by katie@betalef.org | May 13, 2020 | General, Torah Reflections
The Evolving God of Our Understanding: B’har-B’chukotai B’har-B’chukotai: Leviticus 25:1 – 27:34 The last Torah portion in the Book of Leviticus, B’chukotai, begins with: “If you follow My laws and faithfully observe My...
by katie@betalef.org | May 11, 2020 | Torah Reflections
“An Eye For an Eye”: Retributive or Restorative Justice?: Emor Emor: Leviticus 21:1 – 24:23 Toward the end of this week’s Torah portion we find the verses that have fueled centuries of anti-Semitism and often been a pretext for abandoning one’s...
by katie@betalef.org | Apr 29, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Pursuit of Holiness: Acharei Mot-Kedoshim Acharei Mot-Kedoshim: Leviticus 16:1-20:27 The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the entire Israelite community and say to them: You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal your God, am holy. [Lev. 19:1-2] Most...
by katie@betalef.org | Apr 23, 2020 | Torah Reflections
We Are Energy Beings: Tazria-Metzora Tazria-Metzora: Leviticus 12:1-15:33 This week’s Torah portion is, admittedly, a challenge to our modern sensibilities. This portion talks about tzara’at, a skin affliction most translators define as leprosy; although no one knows...
by katie@betalef.org | Apr 15, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Joy and the Possibility of Forgiveness: Sh’mini Sh’mini: Leviticus 9:1-11:47 The inaugural ceremony of the Tabernacle’s dedication and the ordination of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood which began with last week’s Torah portion, concludes this week....
