January 2005

The Parameters of Jewish Teaching

In January (Tevet/Shevat), we are reading the book of Exodus or Shemot, which tells the story of our people’s liberation from slavery in Egypt. Each book of the Torah could be said to represent a key element in our Jewish lives and our Jewish community.

Genesis/Beresheet, the story of our earliest ancestors, symbolizes the importance of Judaism to family life. We read about Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebecca; Jacob, Rachel and Leah. Their stories are as close to us as stories of our own grandparents, aunts and uncles. The book of Beresheet reminds us that Judaism is central to creating a strong home life and conveying an authentic heritage and values for our children.

Exodus/Shemot, the story of the liberation from Egypt, reminds us that Judaism is important beyond our own homes. The Jewish people as a whole make a covenant with God, and receive laws and teachings that have formed the moral core of Western Civilization. Judaism is a religion that focuses on Tikkun ‘Olam, repairing the world as God’s kingdom. It teaches us to free the captives, uplift the needy, and heal society.

Leviticus/Vayikra is the “priestly Torah.” It teaches us about spirituality and holiness. Leviticus includes teachings on ritual and sacrifice (for which prayer was later substituted), as well as the importance of being holy in our interpersonal relationships and “loving our neighbor as our self.”

Numbers/Bemidbar is about the wanderings of the Israelites in the Sinai desert. This book reminds us that life is a journey and that our heritage can sustain us in the times of difficulty and struggle in our lives.

Deuteronomy/Devarim is Moses’ farewell speech to the Jewish people. The book of Deuteronomy contains the Shema (Hear O’Israel) and Ve’ahavta (You shall love the Lord your God) prayers, and commands us to “cleave” to God (devekut). It emphasizes the devotional path and our relationship to God as individuals and as a holy people, as well as our special relationship to the land of Israel.

The Torah is only the beginning of Jewish teaching. We also study the Tanach (the entire Hebrew Bible). In addition, we have an entire Oral/Spoken Torah of the ancient Rabbis (that was later recorded in writing), which includes the Midrash, Mishnah and Talmud. Our Shabbat morning Shi’ur (Study Session) this spring will focus on the study of Talmud. We will learn about the background of Rabbinic Literature, and experience firsthand the interactive study of Talmud in translation as we explore Tractate Berachot, which focuses on prayer and blessings

Blessings to all of us in our study of Torah,

Rabbi Julie Hilton Danan