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Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Rabbi Jonathan Kligler•lsi-wjc.org
Religion & Spirituality
Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
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Episodes

32 Behar | Connecting Leviticus to Genesis - the Big Picture, Part 1

As we reach the concluding chapters of Leviticus, we study the commandment of Shmita - that we must allow the land have a Sabbath every seventh year. Once again exploring the insights of Ellen Davis' "Scripture, Culture and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible" we discover the deep structure of the Biblical narrative. We begin to understand how our ancestors saw themselves as a part of the earth, not separate from it, but assigned by the Creator special responsibilities so that we might...

May 20, 2022•59 min

31 Emor | "How Do We Behave When YHVH Is Living Next Door?"

In her superb Torah commentary "Mending the Heart, Tending the Soul: Directions to the Garden Within, " Gail Albert describes the Book of Leviticus as instructions to answer the question "How do we behave when YHVH is living next door?" Emor focuses on the special requirements of the ancient priestly caste. Yet the Torah also insists that all of us are to become a "a holy people, nation of priests," (Exodus 19:6) so somehow the priestly requirements pertain to us all. How do we become a "nation ...

May 13, 2022•1 hr 1 min

30 Kedoshim | An Agrarian Reading of the Torah

Utilizing the insights of Ellen Davis' fine study, "Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible" (Cambridge University Press, 2009) we explore the teachings of this portion from an embodied, holistic perspective. God charges us to become a holy people - what does that mean? How do we map "holiness" onto our bodies, our communities, our sanctuaries, and our environment in a way that connects them all and keeps us conscious of the connections? Reading in this way opens ne...

May 06, 2022•54 min

A Historical Overview of the Current War in Ukraine | Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

This class falls on Purim day, and this year we are witnessing an outburst of Haman-like evil as Russia pummels its neighbor Ukraine, attempting to destroy it. I offer a review and an overview of the history of this region, including Jewish history, in order that we may better understand the roots of the current conflict.

Mar 18, 2022•55 min

24 Vayikra and Shabbat Zachor | The Meaning of Amalek

On this Shabbat, in preparation for Purim, in addition to the regular reading from Torah we always chant a passage form Deuteronomy that instructs us to blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. In Jewish tradition, Amalek represents absolute evil - human behavior unhinged for morality or empathy. We explore this concept in our class today.

Mar 10, 2022•1 hr

23 Pekude | Accountability and Transparency in a Good Society

"Pekudei" means "accounting." Moses gives a detailed accounting of every penny spent on the construction of the Mishkan. Why does the Torah spend time on these boring details? Our tradition teaches that this highlights yet another of Moses' important leadership qualities. A society based on mutual trust could only be created if its leaders were trustworthy and accountable.

Mar 04, 2022•56 min

22 Vayak'hel | To Be Made in God's Image

What attributes must we manifest in order to fulfill our potential as beings "created in the image of God"? This week's Torah portion offers insight into that puzzle. The master craftsman who creates the Mishkan is named Bezalel, which means "In the image of God." Bezalel represents the potential within every person.

Feb 24, 2022•53 min

54 Vezot Haberakhah | Moses Teaches Us How to Die | Jonathan Kligler

The Jewish sages taught that when we study the Torah we should continuously turn it and turn it, like a gem with countless facets, looking for new and deeper meanings. In this volume of essays on each weekly Torah portion Rabbi Jonathan Kligler shares choice insights from his decades of study and teaching. Drawing on both ancient and modern sources, and weaving scholarship and personal stories, Kligler invites the reader to investigate the countless layers of insight and inspiration that vibrant...

Sep 26, 2021•15 min
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