This week's parsha is Shelach Lecha. Shelach Lecha tells the story of the twelve spies who went to spy out the land and to give a report back to Moshe and the people. Ten spies gave negative reports and two spies, Joshua and Calev, gave positive reports.
Joshua and Calev swam against the tide of popular Israelite opinion. They gave a report that was different from everyone else's. In the face of opposition, is it difficult to express your views if they are different from everyone else's? Have you ever been in a situation where your opinion was different or unpopular? Describe what happened. Were you able to state your feelings? Did you change your views? Did other people change theirs?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Behalotcha
This week's parsha, Behalotcha, describes how Aaron, the Kohen Gadol, lights the Menorah in the mishkan daily. According to this parasha, Aaron lights the Menorah every day exactly according to the directions that God relays through Moses. The Rabbis noted that it was remarkable for Aaron to do this task repeatedly with enthusiasm, day after day, in the precise and correct manner and never tire of it. Menachem Mendl of Kosk said that Aaron's service was directed from his innermost heart, which made Aaron perfect for the job he held as high priest.
As Jews, we are required to do many religious tasks on a daily basis. Every morning at GHA we begin with tefillot. We say the same prayers every day. On a weekly basis we observe Shabbat and every year we celebrate the same cycle of Jewish holidays.
How do you and your family perform these Jewish rituals with enthusiasm? How do you make them fell fresh and exciting?
As Jews, we are required to do many religious tasks on a daily basis. Every morning at GHA we begin with tefillot. We say the same prayers every day. On a weekly basis we observe Shabbat and every year we celebrate the same cycle of Jewish holidays.
How do you and your family perform these Jewish rituals with enthusiasm? How do you make them fell fresh and exciting?
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Bamidbar
This week we begin the fourth book of the Torah, Sefer Bamidbar, which means "in the wilderness." While reading Sefer Bamidbar we learn about B'nai Yisrael's travels on the way to Canaan. One of the most important events during this time was the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. It is interesting to note that God chose to give the Torah in the wilderness.
Why do you think that God didn't bring the people into Canaan and tell them the rules there? Why didn't He choose another setting such as a forest or beside the ocean? What made the Sinai Desert the perfect environment for God's revelation?
Why do you think that God didn't bring the people into Canaan and tell them the rules there? Why didn't He choose another setting such as a forest or beside the ocean? What made the Sinai Desert the perfect environment for God's revelation?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Behar-Bechukotai
This week we read the double portion of Behar-Bechukotai which ends the book of Vayikra. Behar continues the telling of rules including the rules for the Sabbatical and Jubilee years, rules for owning property in the Land of Israel and rules about how to do business. Parashat Bechukotai is also known as the "Tochechah," the "warning" or "reproof," because it contains a list of the consequences Israel would face if the people disobeyed God's laws. The Israelites are reminded repeatedly in the book of Vayikra to be holy. To be holy, the people must obey and observe the laws. The closing portion of Vayikra contains consequences for disregarding the commandments. Whereas the blessings for observing the commandments are described in just ten verses (Vayikra 26:3-13), the curses cover 28 verses (Vayikra 26:14-42).
Ibn Ezra, a Jewish scholar of the 10th century, explained that the curses were spelled out in greater detail so that they would frighten the listeners.
Do you believe that someone would be more likely to obey the commandments because s/he was frightened into doing so? Why do you follow rules and regulations? If you know the consequences in advance, does it prevent you from breaking the rules? What would life be like if our society did not have rules or consequences?
Ibn Ezra, a Jewish scholar of the 10th century, explained that the curses were spelled out in greater detail so that they would frighten the listeners.
Do you believe that someone would be more likely to obey the commandments because s/he was frightened into doing so? Why do you follow rules and regulations? If you know the consequences in advance, does it prevent you from breaking the rules? What would life be like if our society did not have rules or consequences?
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Parshat Emor
In this week's parsha, Emor, we read, "You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified in the midst of the Israelite people--I the Lord who sanctify you." (Lev. 22:32)
From this verse, and a couple of others, the rabbis suggest that we can make God's name holy, and we can dishonor God's name too. Making God's name holy is called Kiddush HaShem. The opposite, profaning God's name is called Hillul HaShem.
One of the best-known examples of Kiddush HaShem that is mentioned in the Talmud concerns an incident in the life of Shimon ben Shetach who found a valuable gem hanging around the neck of a camel he had bought from a non-Jew. His students urged him to keep the treasure that God had given him. However, Shimon ben Shetach quickly returned the stone saying, "I purchased an animal, not a precious stone." When the man was given back the stone he exclaimed, "Blessed be the God of Shimon ben Shetach; blessed be the God of Israel." Shimon Ben Shetach's honesty caused the non-Jewish man to praise God which is a Kiddush HaShem.
Discuss with your family other examples of Kiddush HaShem and Hillul HaShem. What can we do to make God's name holy? What things that people do dishonor God's name?
From this verse, and a couple of others, the rabbis suggest that we can make God's name holy, and we can dishonor God's name too. Making God's name holy is called Kiddush HaShem. The opposite, profaning God's name is called Hillul HaShem.
One of the best-known examples of Kiddush HaShem that is mentioned in the Talmud concerns an incident in the life of Shimon ben Shetach who found a valuable gem hanging around the neck of a camel he had bought from a non-Jew. His students urged him to keep the treasure that God had given him. However, Shimon ben Shetach quickly returned the stone saying, "I purchased an animal, not a precious stone." When the man was given back the stone he exclaimed, "Blessed be the God of Shimon ben Shetach; blessed be the God of Israel." Shimon Ben Shetach's honesty caused the non-Jewish man to praise God which is a Kiddush HaShem.
Discuss with your family other examples of Kiddush HaShem and Hillul HaShem. What can we do to make God's name holy? What things that people do dishonor God's name?
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