Moses has descended once again from the mountain, face aglow, carrying the tablets with the restored covenant in his arms. God has forgiven the Children of Israel for their transgressions with the Golden Calf. They are finally ready to begin creating God’s dwelling place in the heart of their community.
In addition to being the raucous holiday of fun, Purim points us toward the consciousness of oneness that transcends all dualities....
We examine two topics in this week's portion. First, what parallels can we draw between the episode of the Golden Calf - a rebellion and its aftermath - with the storming of the U.S. Capitol this past January? Second, reflecting on the brilliant teaching of the late Rabbi Lord Sacks, what are the pros and cons of we Jews being a historically "stiff-necked" people?
34 Bamidbar | In the Wilderness | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
35 Naso | Be a Channel for Blessings | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
36 Beha'alotekha | Are We There Yet? | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
37 Shelakh | Healing the Crushed Spirit | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
38 Korakh | Demagogue | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
39 Hukat | Confronting Mortality | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
40 Balak | Mah Tovu — How Good It Is | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
41 Pinkhas | The Daughters of Tz’lofkhad Step Forward | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
42 Matot | Do Not Separate Yourself From the Community | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
43 Mas'ei | The Inner Journey |Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
44 Devarim | Finding Your Voice | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
45 Va'et'khanan | The Choosing People | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
46 Eikev | Gratitude | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
47 Re'eih | Open Your Hand |Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
48 Shoftim | Justice, Justice | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
49 Ki Teitzei Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
50 Ki Tavo Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
51 Nitzavim Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
52 Vayeilekh Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
53 Ha'azinu Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
54 Vezot Haberakhah Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
How does the Torah describe God? Not by doctrine or dogma, but by encounter. Not with systematic theology, but with stories. I find this approach refreshing. Stories do not demand agreement or adherence; they invite engagement.
20 Tetzaveh | תצוה Brothers’ Keepers | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
Following the brilliant insights of Rabbi David Fohrman (alephbeta.org) we discover the profound significance of the cherubim that adorn and protect the Mishkan - the desert sanctuary in which God's presence dwells. We find that they guide us on a journey from our reality into the infinite reality of YHVH.
19 Terumah | תרומה Creating Holy Moments | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
Our portion begins by legislating how one is to treat one's household slaves. These laws insist that the slave be treated with full humanity. But why does the Torah affirm slavery at all? We explore the ways in which the Torah was perhaps radical for its time, and reflect on our own anachronistic way of projecting our current social norms onto the distant past.
18 Mishpatim | משפטים YHVH, Protector of the Powerless | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler
