Center for Jewish Education Parsha Thoughts

Parshat Chukat

In this week's Torah portion, the Children of Israel are punished for their myriad complaints as they wander in the desert. Manna (the food accessible to them) provides all their needs, yet they complain.

• When and how do you complain?
• Are there times when you feel you complain in excess?
• when is complaining helpful? When is it problematic?

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Parshat Balak

In this week's Torah portion, Balaam receives divine revelation through the mouth of a donkey.

• Can animals speak? If so, what can they tell us?

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Parshat Pinchas

In this week's Torah portion we see the daughters of Zelophehad argue that they should receive their father's inheritance. Their plea was granted because G-d saw it as just.

• When do you feel it is important to protest authority?
• How do you know that the cause you are fighting for is just?

In her work- Alicia Jo Robins (Girls in Trouble) shares modern interpretations which gives voice to biblical women.

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Parshat Mattot/Mase'ei

In this week's Torah portion the Gadite and Rubinite tribes experience doubt about their capacity to overtake the land.

• When have you doubted your capacity to do something?
• Have you ever been able to overcome your own self-doubt?
• What allowed you to do that?

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Parshat Devarim

Nachmanides, a 13th century rabbi, tells us: "If you scheme to pervert justice you will have sinned against the Lord."

• Think of a time when you mediated or engaged in a conflict. Was it hard to be impartial and avoid being unfair?
• Why or why not?

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Parshat Vaetchanan

In this week's Torah portion, Moses reminds the people to follow the laws which he is giving and to share them with with future generations.

• Parents or grandparents: Which Jewish ideas are most important to pass to the next generation?
• Children: What is the most important Jewish idea that you have learned, and that you would want to pass on to your children?

As our nation reflects on the shootings in El Paso and Dayton-we also share this Father-Son story about a shooting which occurred in 1999. Their discussion centers on our question: What Jewish identity should be passed to the next generation?

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Parshat Ekev

Rabbi Jacob Ettlinger, a 19th century rabbi, looked at this verse in connection to the Passover Haggadah. He comments that we befriend a stranger, "In this way the needy person will not be humiliated."

• In today's world, who do you see as the stranger?
• How might that person experience humiliation in the way that Rabbi Ettlinger suggests?
• Have you experienced creating a friendship with someone who you viewed as a stranger? If so, share some of your experience.

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What does it mean to you to walk in the path of G-d?

Rabbi Hama, a rabbi from the Talmud, was concerned that literally following in G-d's footsteps could constitute a danger because G-d is often described as manifesting in fire. Instead, he argues that this statement should be viewed as a metaphor.

"Rather, the meaning is that one should follow the attributes of the Holy One, Blessed be He. Just as He clothes the naked, as it is written: 'And the Lord G-d made for Adam and for his wife garments of skin, and clothed them' (Genesis 3:21), so too, should you clothe the naked. Just as the Holy One, Blessed be He, visits the sick, as it is written with regard to G-d's appearing to Abraham following his circumcision: 'And the Lord appeared unto him by the terebinths of Mamre' (Genesis 25:11), so too, should you console mourners. Just as the Holy One, Blessed be He, buries the dead, as it is written: 'And he was buried in the valley in the land of Moab' (Deuteronomy 34:6), so too, should you bury the dead." -Sotah 14a:3-4

Rabbi Hama describes what he thinks someone who walks with G-d should do:

• Clothing the naked
• Visiting the sick
• Consoling mourners
• Burying the dead

If you were to add to Rabbi Hama's list, what would you add?

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Parshat Shoftim

Many rabbis have interpreted this commandment to mean that we are responsible for not needlessly wasting things within our environment.

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, a 19th century rabbi, reminds us that "But this prohibition of purposeless destruction of a fruit tree around a besieged city is only to be taken as an example of general wastefulness."

Rabbi Ellen Berstein shares: "While G-d is the source of our lives spiritually, nature is the source of our lives in the material plane, and being mindful of the godliness in everything is the first step of an ecological lifestyle."

• When are you wasteful?
• What steps could you take to address waste in your life?

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Parshat Ki Teitzei

In this week's Torah portion, we are commanded to return lost objects.

Share a story of either an item you lost and it was returned to you, or an item you found and how you got that item back to its owner.

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Parshat Ki Tavo

From this week's Torah portion, Rashi, an 11th century scholar, understands the word 'distinctly' as meaning "Well explained in all 70 languages of the earth."

• Do you think it was important to translate Torah to speakers of all languages?
• When we learn Torah in our most comfortable language, what are the advantages?
• Is there something to be lost when learning Torah from a translation?

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Parshat Nitzavim

At the Macks Center for Jewish Education, we believe in engaging with Jewish text, and Jewish learning as a lifelong pursuit.

• What is one way you integrate, or would like to integrate, Jewish learning into your life?

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Parshat Vayeilech

Moses here expresses concern that people will not follow in the path of G-d when he is gone. During this time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, we work to recognize where we have had a stiff neck, and work to do better.

• What is one thing you are thinking about, or working on, as we approach Yom Kippur?

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Parshat Ha'azinu

Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, a leading 19th century German rabbi,interpreted this verse to mean, “Remember the ancient times… [and] go into them...follow the path of the development of the generations of Man, and then...ask your father about your own history…[and] your elders...will explain your history to you…”

During the upcoming holiday of Sukkot, there is a custom to invite in the presence of spiritual leaders of the past to join us in the sukkah, otherwise known as ushpizin. We hope that by inviting them in, we can learn from them and follow in the footsteps of their actions and character traits (middot), and use it as inspiration and guidance in our own lives.

• If you had the chance to talk to any of the traditional ushpizin, what would you ask them?

• Who are you most excited about inviting into your sukkah this year?

• Can you think of an instance when you have learned a valuable lesson from an elder in your life? If so, share your story.

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Parshat V'Zot Habracha/Simchat Torah

On Simchat Torah, we will end our reading of Deuteronomy and return to Genesis, completing our annual Torah reading cycle. In Jewish tradition, we value returning to text as different people who find different meaning in the text as we age. Enjoy this multi-aged learning on the cycling of Jewish text: www.sefaria.org/sheets/190937?lang=bi

• Did you learn something new from a Jewish text which you had read previously this year?
• What caused you to see this text in a new way?

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Parshat Bereshit

At Simchat Torah we concluded the annual cycle of reading the Torah. This week we start back at the beginning in Parshat Bereshit (Genesis), where we learn that each person is created in the image of G-d in spite of our different identities and ideologies. The Mishnah teaches us that we are all from the same divine source.

• What is compelling about seeing others as created in the divine image?
• When do you find seeing others in the divine image to be challenging for you?

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Parshat Noach

In this week’s torah portion, G-d makes a covenant with Noah and future generations to never destroy the earth through a flood again symbolized by a rainbow.

Rabbenu Bachya, an 11th and 12th century Spanish rabbi, compares the rainbow to a hunter’s bow. He states, “If its ‘feet’ were visible in the sky it would symbolise warfare, as if the arrows were pointed at man from heaven. Now that the ‘bow’ points in the other direction, this symbolises that man and G-d are at peace with one another.”

1. What do you think of when you see a rainbow?

2. Can you think of other symbolic meanings/uses of the colors of the rainbow?

3. Do any other natural phenomena remind you of peace?

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Parshat Vayera

Leonard Cohen’s last song, “You Want it Darker”, is his commentary of the episode of the Binding of Isaac, where Abraham is told by G-d to offer up his son as a sacrifice, that appears in this week’s Torah portion, Vayera.

The chorus, which itself repeats three times, reads:

Hineni, hineni

I’m ready, my Lord

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks notes that this chorus is the words of Abraham and Isaac during this episode. When G-d calls out, Abraham responds: “hineni”-here I am. Isaac then silently adds “I’m ready, my Lord”.

This is the message Leonard Cohen wanted to leave the world with; that even in the face of adversity we have to stand up and say hineni.

• What emotions do you think Isaac was feeling during this episode?

• When has there been a time when you have said “hineni”?

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Parshat Chayei Sarah

This week’s Torah portion starts out with the death of Sarah. Abraham wants her resting place to be a specific cave, and Ephron, the owner of the cave, offers it to him for free. Instead of taking the gift, Abraham insists on paying the full price for it, despite Ephron’s offer to give it to him for free.

-Do you think Abraham did the right thing by insisting to pay for the cave?

-What lesson can be learned around character traits from Abraham’s actions and language in this interaction?

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Thanksgiving

The concept of giving thanks is central within Judaism. The Hebrew word hoda’ah is often translated as thanks. However, Rabbi Shimon Schwab, a 20th century rabbi in Baltimore, suggests that it is better translated as “admission”. In giving thanks, we admit that we can never repay all of the good things that happen to us. We admit that we are not in control of everything.

He continues with an analogy: “...when we give candy to a child, his mother has to remind him to say ‘thank you.’ A human being does not have an innate sense of gratitude...The sense of gratitude must be taught, and it then develops further through the maturing process.”

-What is one way you can give thanks to someone who has given you a lot?

-How are you going to give hoda’ah this Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving! Jewish texts have a lot to say about giving thanks. Here are some examples with great guiding questions to help stir up discussion at your Thanksgiving dinner table:​​​​​​​ https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/201252?lang=bi

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Parshat Vayeitzei

In this week’s Torah portion Jacob goes to the house of his uncle, Laban, to ask for his daughter Rachel's hand in marriage. Right before the wedding, Laban switches the bride to be his older daughter Leah.

Nechama Leibowitz, a 20th century biblical scholar, states that “Jacob himself was the victim of deception, married two wives, though he loved only one, the peace of his own family being thereby undermined...the rift between the children of Leah and Rachel persisting for many long years.”

-Do you think Jacob knew some act of deceit was coming?

-How would you feel if you were in Jacob’s situation?

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Parshat Vayishlach

Robert Alter, a modern Biblical scholar, states that “The image of wrestling has been implicit throughout the Jacob story...Now, in this culminating moment of his life story, the characterizing image of wrestling is made explicit and literal.”

-Why do you think Jacob didn’t give up?

-What are some ongoing struggles in your life?

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Parshat Vayeishev

In this week’s Torah portion, we see that Jacob’s son Joseph starts to interpret dreams.

The first dream Joseph interprets depicts his brothers all gathering to bow down to him.

The Ohr Hachaim, an 18th century North African rabbi, states that Joseph had to say “please listen” to his brothers because they did not want to hear his dream in the first place. Joseph was unconsciously asserting himself as an authority figure, making his brothers hatred for him stronger.

-Why do you think Joseph felt the need to share this dream with his brothers?

-Was Joseph’s “please” a sincere request or a directive command?

-Have you ever had an interaction with someone who unfairly used their authority?

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Parshat Mikeitz

In this week’s Torah portion, Joseph’s two sons are born: Ephraim and Manasseh. The Abarbanel, a 15th century Portugese commentator, explains why Joseph still describes Egypt as the land of his suffering. He states, “Despite all the greatness and splendor Joseph enjoyed as viceroy, he still regarded Egypt as the land of his suffering, for he was still...a native of the Holy Land.”

-Do you think Joseph was feeling homesick?

-Have you ever felt like a foreigner in your home?

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Parshat Vayechi

In this week's Torah portion, Israel (Jacob) prepares to die and asks his family to bury him in the land of Israel. Later when the Israelites leave Egypt, they will fulfill his wish carrying his bones to their final resting place in Hebron.

-What message does it send for Israel to request not to be buried in Egypt?

-If you could be buried anywhere-where would you choose to be buried?

-What does your choice in burial site send to those who will follow you?

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Parshat Shemot

In this week’s Torah portion, G-d tells Moses to speak to the Isrealites and tell them that G-d will take them out of their slavery in Egypt. Moses tries to refuse this call, saying that he has a speech impediment and is not fit for the job. G-d knows that Moses’ disability is only a small aspect of who he is, and that he is destined to do great things.

February is JDAIM: Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month- You can bring “B’More Inclusive”, a disability awareness experience with a Jewish lense, to your school or synagogue. Contact Yael Zelinger at [email protected] for more information.

-Has there been a time in your life when you have overcome a challenge for the better?

-What do you think the Torah is telling us about dealing with disabilities in this passage?

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Parshat Vaeira

In this week’s Torah portion, we see seven out of the Ten Plagues that ultimately result in Pharaoh letting the Israelites go. Before the seventh plague, hail, Moses gives this warning to Pharoah.

Nahum Sarna, a 20th century Biblical scholar and commentator, quotes a rabbinic comment on the verse which says that “Come and observe [the extent] of God’s compassion. Even in a moment of anger He [G-d] has compassion on the wicked and on their animals.”.

-Why do you think G-d waited until this point to express some compassion?

-How can we take this lesson of compassion and apply it in our own lives?

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Parshat Bo

In this week’s Torah portion, the Jews are given the first commandment as a nation-Rosh Chodesh, the beginning of the month.

The Sforno, a sixteenth century Italian rabbi, states that from then on, Jews would be the masters of their own time, whereas “While you were enslaved, your days, hours, minutes even, were always at the beck and call of your taskmasters.”

-How do you make the most of your time?

-Why do you think the Torah places a specific significance on the observance of Rosh Chodesh?

-Why is it important that this commandment was given right as the Israelites were about to leave Egypt?

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Parshat Beshalach

As the Israelites were wandering the desert after leaving Egypt, they started to complain about being hungry. G-d, therefore, decided to provide them with food from heaven that they called manna.

The Midrash (Sifrei Bamidbar 89) states that the taste of the manna could change to taste like anything, according to one’s desire.

-Why do you think G-d decided to give the Israelites manna instead of normal food?

-What would you want your portion of manna to taste like?

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Parshat Yitro

In this week’s Torah portion the Israelites receive the Ten Commandments, the first of which is seen in this verse. Dr. Barry Gittlen, a current professor at the Baltimore Hebrew Institute at Towson University, points out that the structure of the Ten Commandments parallels many other Ancient Near Eastern treaties with one major difference: this time the treaty is between a nation and its G-d.

-What are some other ways Judaism sets itself apart from other religions?

-Can you think of a unique Jewish custom your family has?

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Parshat Mishpatim

In this week’s Torah portion, the Israelites are given many social justice laws including the commandment against oppressing a stranger-which appears twice in this week’s portion. The Sefer HaChinch, a 13th century work, explains that oppression applies even to words.

-Why do you think the Torah places such an emphasis on not harming the stranger?

-Has there been a time where you have been harmed by words?

-How can we try to uphold this idea, and give fair treatment to everyone?

To find out more about the Torah’s command for the fair treatment of strangers, click on the following link: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/198325?lang=bi

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Parshat Terumah

In this week’s Torah portion G-d gives Moses instructions for the construction of the tabernacle: the portable sanctuary for G-d. Steve Kurtz, a modern engineer, states that the building of the tabernacle required everyone’s participation and skill sets. There were so many different facets to the tabernacle, that everyone, no matter their skill set, was needed. This project helped to unite the Israelites in a positive act.

-How can we apply this lesson of community to today?

-When have you worked on a project that needed people with different skill sets to achieve the goal? Please share.

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Parshat Tetzaveh

This week’s Torah portion starts with the commandment to produce the oil that would be used to light the eternal flame that was to burn in the tabernacle at all times. The Chizkuni, a thirteenth century commentator, states that the lamps had to have been lit for the Israelites’ benefit, since the lamps stood in the open courtyard.

-Has there been a time in your life when you have “made light” for the benefit of other people?

-Why do you think G-d made such specific instructions for a light that served Him no benefit?

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Parshat Ki Tisa

In this week’s Torah portion,G-d re-emphasizes the importance and significance of observing the Sabbath. Having this verse in the middle of instructions for the construction of the tabernacle provided the rabbinic basis to associate proscribed labor on Shabbat with those activities involved in the construction.

-How do you celebrate Shabbat?

-What does it mean to be refreshed on Shabbat?

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Parshat Vayakhel and Pekudei

In this week’s Torah portion, the Torah continues to describe the efforts and details put in to the building of the tabernacle. Nachmanides, a 13th century rabbi, states that the Israelites enjoyed bringing gifts to help with the construction so much that Moses had to tell the people to stop because they already had more than enough material. The generosity of the people was unlimited.

-Why do you think the Israelites were so willing to contribute gifts to the tabernacle?

-Have you ever given a gift because your “heart inspired” you?

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Parshat Vayikra

Rabbi Modechai Kamenetzky, the Dean of a boys yeshiva in New York, comments on the specific term “man” and the general terms “from among you”, saying that they are inseparable. “Every action represents community and influences it as well. Everybody, every action...ripples a community.”

-How do you plan to make a positive impact on the community in these tough times?

-What is the role of the individual within the community?

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Parshat Tzav

This week’s Torah portion continues with the details of the Priestly service of bringing offerings upon the altar in the tabernacle. Dena Weiss from the Hadar Institute, the Director of Full-time Immersive Programs, states that seeing how the priests “...were able to dress for and succeed in their roles of religious leadership can teach us how to overcome our sense that we just aren’t good enough and become the people we can and need to be.” This is a message in recognizing our potential.

-Do you think the Torah is giving us a message that “the clothes make the person”?

-Do we dress differently when engaging in a religious act? If so, how?

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Parshat Shemini

In this week’s Torah portion, G-d tells the Israelites what animals can and cannot be kosher. Dr. Rachel Adler, a professor at the Hebrew Union College in LA, states that the laws of kashrut are important “... because Jews still need boundaries to maintain our distinctness as a culture and religion, so that we can preserve continuity with the ‘Judaisms’ of the past and pass on a Judaism with integrity to our inheritors.”

-As we just passed the holiday of Passover, do you think maintaining our distinctness as a culture and religion is important?

-What role do family traditions play in your practice of Judaism?

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Parshat Tazria-Metzorah

This week’s Torah portions discuss a person who needs to be in isolation because of disease. Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, the Executive Vice President Emeritus of the Orthodox Union, states that a period of solitude people might endure can be used as a time for introspection; that “...solitude provides an opportunity for thinking on one’s own and for concentrating deeply without the undue influences of one’s social surround.”

In these tough times, we should try to take this as a silver lining, making the most of every day.

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Parshat Acharei Mot/Kedoshim

In this week’s Torah portion, we are given many commandments that revolve around compassion. Rabbis Yisroel and Osher Anshel Jungreis explain the commandment not to place a stumbling block before the blind to mean that we are prohibited to even mislead people; “Even as no sane individual would countenance tripping a blind person or allowing him to step in front of a moving vehicle, so too, misleading someone who is unaware is equally deplorable.”

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Parshat Emor

This week’s Torah portion contains the details of all the festivals. It also gives us the commandment to count fifty days between the holiday of Passover and the holiday of Shavuot, a period we are currently in, known as the Omer- the name of the grain the Israelites had to bring as an offering. Rabbi Matthew Berkowitz, the Director of Israel Programs for the Jewish Theological Seminary, states that during this time, we are “Caught between the festival of freedom and commemorating the receiving of [the] Torah...wandering through the desert and through these weeks. And while this period is one of great anticipation, it is also a time of uncertainty...”

-How do you count the Omer in your classroom? Share some creative ways to count below!

-How are you experiencing feelings of uncertainty during this period?

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