Messages from August 2021

Rabbi O’s Weekly: Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)Feed Your Faith and Starve Your Fear

August 27, 2021
Deuteronomy
Ki Tavo

In the past, Jewish farmers would bring their harvest’s first fruits to Jerusalem. They would travel there with other farmers, led by oxen whose horns had been coated in gold adorned with olive branches placed on their heads. Flutes musically accompanied the procession; they would travel for only two-thirds of the day, which allowed others […]

Weekly Torah Portion: Ki Tetzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19) Fight for Yourself !

August 20, 2021
Deuteronomy
Ki Teitzei

When you go out to war against your enemies… (Deut. 21:10)This week’s Parsha begins with various laws concerning warfare. However, our sages tell us that the opening verse hints at another type of war; the war we have with our internal selves. In Judaism it’s called the Yetzer Hara (the evil inclination), our internal negative […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)The Beauty of Movement

August 13, 2021
Deuteronomy
Shoftim

I don’t think anyone reading this is acquainted with a man or woman who built a pillar and then worshipped it. It might have been common in the ancient world but how is this relevant for a 21st century Jew? Here’s one application important for us. And you shall not erect for yourself a pillar, which […]

Rabbi O’s Weekly Parsha: Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)Drop the Weight

August 6, 2021
Deuteronomy
Re'eh

For a seven-day period you will celebrate before Hashem, your G-d… for Hashem, your G-d, will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, and you will have nothing but joy. (Deut. 6:15)Are the words “you will have nothing but joy” a commandment? Rashi says no, rather they are a promise for those […]