by katie@betalef.org | Mar 31, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Light of Our Heart: Tzav Tzav: Leviticus 6:1-8:36 In my approach to Torah, I see the text as myth, not reality. I presuppose that, as such, the stories it conveys speak of universal archetypes relating to the human spiritual journey, and seek to unpack the...
by katie@betalef.org | Mar 26, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Fire of Divine Love: VaYikra VaYikra: Leviticus 1:1-5:26 The last few Torah portions of the Book of Exodus were, as we have seen, focused on the building of the Tabernacle in the wilderness; a Sacred Space amidst the traveling Israelite tribes where God came to...
by katie@betalef.org | Mar 18, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Calling All Angels: Vayak’hel-Pekudei Vayak’hel-Pekudei: Exodus 35:1-40:38 We are entering into the closing chapters of the Book of Exodus. This week’s Torah portion marks the retelling of the building of the Tabernacle in accord with the instructions...
by katie@betalef.org | Mar 13, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Living Our Lives “All in”: Ki Tissa Ki Tissa: Exodus 30:11-34:35 I have been fascinated, this year, by Moses’ spiritual evolution one Torah portion at a time. Since the beginning, I noticed, Moses has been ambivalent toward the Israelites; remaining...
by katie@betalef.org | Mar 4, 2020 | Torah Reflections
The Olive Oil Paradigm: Tetzaveh Tetzaveh: Exodus 27:20-30:10 You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light, to kindle an eternal light. Aaron and his sons shall set it up in the Tent of Meeting, outside the curtain...
by katie@betalef.org | Feb 27, 2020 | Torah Reflections
Temples Within Temples Within Temples: T’rumah T’rumah: Exodus 25:1-27:19 We find, in this week’s Parashah the Divine injunction that adorns Bet Alef’s new ark: “V’asu Li Mik’dash, v’Shachan’ti b’tocham – Let them make Me a Sanctuary that I might...
