Torah Reflections
Each week, Rabbi Olivier prepares a written reflection on the weekly Torah portion. These provide yet another way to discover the texts sacred to Judaism and to prepare for Shabbat each week.
Waking Up From Our Collective Amnesia: Re’eh
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 you do not listen...
Practicing Gemilut Chasadim to Change the World: Chukat-Balak
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...
The Rebel Within: Korach
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...
Journey Through Our Inner Landscape: Sh’lach Lecha
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, under God’s...
The Many Branches of Our Inner Menorah: B’haalot’cha
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 light.” Aaron did so… This is...
Freedom From The Yoke of Desires: Nasso
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...
We Lose Our self to Find Our Self: B’midbar
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 Torah given in the wilderness?" Why not, our rabbis...
The Evolving God of Our Understanding: B’har – B’chukotai
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 commandments…” [Lev. 26:3] and continues...
“An Eye For an Eye”: Retributive or Restorative Justice?: Emor
"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 Jewish (or Christian)...
The Pursuit of Holiness: Acharei Mot-Kedoshim
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...
We Are Energy Beings: Tazria-Metzora
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...
Joy and the Possibility of Forgiveness: Sh’mini
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. “BaYom...