Stories We Tell: Hero Israel
Halachah and Aggadah: The Interplay between Law and Narrative to Determine God’s Will for Us
In Parashat Yitro, we are overwhelmed by the power of the encounter of God and the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. The people respond to God's Presence saying, "All that the Eternal has spoken we will do!" (Exodus 19:8).
Sacred Space Is Where God Dwells and Hearts Are Moved
Parashat T'rumah begins, "The Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying: Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. . . . And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:1-8).
Finding Satisfaction in Others’ Success
Parashat T'tzaveh opens with the following words. "You shall further instruct (V'atah t'tzaveh) the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly" (Exodus 27:20).
When Moses Is with God for 40 Days and 40 Nights, It’s Back to the Idols
Parashat Ki Tisa recounts the incident of the Golden Calf in a multilayered narrative about faith and leadership. In Exodus, chapter 32, we read that Moses remained on Mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights. In his absence, the Israelites demanded that Aaron fashion an idol so God would be present with them.
B'reishit for Tweens: Two Adams
In the biblical view, creation and history belong together. Creation is the foundation of a covenantal relationship between God and world and, in a specific and important sense, between God and Israel (Plaut, 23).
B'reishit for Tweens: In God's Image
Learn about the beginning of the Torah, parashat B'reishit, with your tween.
Sanctifying Time and Space, Shabbat, and the Building of the Mishkan
At the beginning of Parashat Vayak'heil Moses convokes the entire community and reiterates the commandment on Shabbat observance
Sanctifying Time and Space, Shabbat, and the Building of the Mishkan
At the beginning of Parashat Vayak'heil Moses convokes the entire community and reiterates the commandment on Shabbat observance.
B'reishit for Tweens: Adam's Fence
Read and discuss the first parashah, B'reishit, with this guide for tweens.