destruction

December 19, 2014
By bethmordecai
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Parashat Mikeitz (מקץ) — Hope Amidst Destruction

Parashat Mikeitz 2014/5775 (Triennial II) -- Hope Amidst Destruction In this week's Torah portion we learn about the stories related to the rationing ("shever") of grain in Egypt by our forefather Joseph. The Hebrew word "shever" is used often in this context, principally to refer to the dividing of grains into rations. Yet in other contexts the same root (sh-v-r) means "to destroy" and an analogous root (s-v-r) means "to hope." What can we learn by the different meanings of the same root? Given the dire circumstances caused by the famine in Egypt, is it possible that the act of "rationing" is a reflection of hope amidst destruction? And if so, what role can God play in helping us have hope through the tribulations[...]

Category : Online Learning Online Parashah Class
Tag : brothers destruction hope joseph mikeitz miketz online learning online parashah class parsha parshah weekly torah portion מקץ

destruction

October 24, 2014
By bethmordecai
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Parashat Noah (נח) — God’s Heart

Parashat Noah Triennial II (2014/5775) -- God's Heart In this week's Torah portion, God uses a flood to destroy all living beings except for Noah and all of the creatures stowed safely in his ark. Afterwards God resolves  to never again destroy humanity through a flood, but God's decision only comes about after "God spoke to God's heart" (Genesis 8:21). Is it possible for God to physically have a heart? If so (or even if it's a metaphor) what is significant about God speaking to God's heart and can it teach human beings something about our own hearts? Join us for this fascinating class as we learn about God's heart and the gift of our[...]

Category : Online Learning Online Parashah Class
Tag : acceptance destruction God God's love endures forever heart humanity Noah online learning online parashah class physical rainbow sacrifices נח

destruction

August 5, 2014
By bethmordecai
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DAY 766: Thought on Tishah B’av — Zealotry Leads to Destruction

Dear Hevreh, Last night, our community gathered with Marlboro Jewish Center, Temple Beth Ahm, and Congregation Beth Ohr for a special communal observance of Tisha B'av. A number of the rabbis, including myself, had an opportunity to teach a little about the holiday prior to readingM'gillat Eikhah. I was particularly fascinated by the teaching of Rabbi Lisa Malik on the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza, perhaps the most famous story related to the destruction of the second Temple. The story, which you can find here, seemed pregnant with such meaning that I took the time today with one of our members to study it in more depth. (By the way, please feel free to drop in during[...]