WEEKLY TORAH REFLECTIONS

Archive

17 Oct 2009 Genesis 1:1-6:8 Issue #1 Parashat Bereshit

The invitation today is to open our Bible at its very beginning: Genesis chapter 1. It begins with an account of the creation of the world (1:1-2:4), not in scientific language but in theological language. What fresh insight does the Word of God hold in store for me, for us, this day? Pick up “Light of Torah” (Issue #1), and explore this question. You will be surprised by the insights embedded in our biblical tradition!

 

 

24 Oct 2009 Genesis 6:9-11:32 Issue #2  Parashat Noach

The story of Noah’s Ark is known and loved by Christians from childhood. But how closely have we explored it as adults? For instance, we know that Noah was a virtuous man. That’s why he obeyed God and built an ark, right? Not necessarily! You would be surprised to know that the character of Noah has been questioned by the sages of old. Learn more about this intriguing discussion with the help of the leaflet “Light of Torah” (Issue #2). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

31 Oct 2009 Genesis 12:1-17:27 Issue #3 Parashat Lekh Lekha

Our Torah portion contains a puzzle. We have been previously told in Gen. 11:30 that “Sarah was barren; she had no child.” Yet four verses later, God is promising Abraham, “I will make of you a great nation” (12:2)! Now doesn’t the text have you wondering about that? Your puzzling is a clue that a powerful biblical insight is at hand...  Read on with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #3).

 

7 Nov 2009 Genesis 18:1-22:24 Issue #4 Parashat Vayera

This week’s Torah portion contains a number of engaging stories: the birth of Isaac, the sacrifice of Isaac, the conflict between Sarah and Hagar, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah… Yet our discussion will move barely beyond the first line!  The sages of Israel taught that even the tiniest and apparently irrelevant parts of Torah have a divine message to impart. Join us as we test this teaching in “Light of Torah” (Issue #4).

 

 

14 Nov 2009 Genesis 23:1-25:18 Issue #5 Parashat Hayei Sarah

How do you choose a spouse in marriage? What qualities do you seek? What virtues do you hope and pray that your children will find in their husband or wife? This week’s Torah portion tells the story of Abraham’s quest to find a wife for his son Isaac. With heartfelt instructions Abraham sends his most trusted servant to the land of his birth. There, at a well, the servant approaches his match-making task with a surprising strategy.  Explore the whole story with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #5).

 

21 Nov 2009 Genesis 25:19-28:9 Issue #6 Parashat Toledot

In this week’s Torah portion, God’s promise to Abraham passes to another generation via the complex family life of Isaac and Rebekah and their two sons. The pathos of the storyline suggest the basis of a soap opera: a painful pregnancy, two warring siblings, parents with ‘favorites,’ competition and cunning, deception and betrayal...  Can this really be the way the divine plan is worked out?! Explore the mayhem and mystery of our ancestral story the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #6).

 

28 Nov 2009 Genesis 28:10-32:3 Issue #7 Parashat Vayetze

“Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and broke into tears” (29:11). Thus begins the passionate and troubled love affair between Jacob and Rachel. This Torah portion is best read as a whole (and the story is engaging enough to keep you hooked!) It recounts Jacob’s flight to the land of Haran (punctuated by a fascinating dream episode), his dealings with his relative Laban and how he comes to marry both of Laban’s daughters: Leah the elder, and Rachel the younger. Read on with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #7).

 

5 Dec 2009 Genesis 32:4-36:43 Issue #8 Parashat Vayishlah

In this week’s Torah portion the story of Jacob’s family continues for five chapters filled with episode upon episode of the human drama: the meeting of two estranged brothers; the night-long wrestling of Jacob with an unnamed stranger; the rape of Dinah (Jacob’s only daughter among thirteen children) and its consequences; Jacob’s homecoming; the deaths of Rachel and Isaac; the future of Esau. Fascinating turns of events.  Join us as we explore aspects of this passage in “Light of Torah” (Issue #8).

 

12 Dec 2009 Genesis 37:1-40:23 Issue #9 Parashat Vayeshev

Have you ever seen a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”? It tells, in song, dance, theatrical energy and raucous humor, one of the most well known and well loved bible stories. It is a dark story, a story of envy, resentment, betrayal and murderous thoughts. It is also a narrative of hope, revelation and redemption. It is the saga of a family: Jacob and his sons. In the ancestry of our faith family, it is our story too. Join us this week as we explore this Torah passage with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #9).

 

19 Dec 2009 Genesis 41:1-44:17 Issue #10 Parashat Miketz

The story of Joseph continues this week. In an earlier Torah portion, Joseph’s dreams get him into trouble because of the envy of his brothers, however in this week’s portion his talent with dreams works for his benefit. Unlike the Egyptian magicians and wise men, Joseph is able to present a satisfying interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams. He wins the favor of Pharaoh, is released from prison and rises to power in the Egyptian court. Let’s look closely at the interaction between Joseph and Pharaoh with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #10).

 

26 Dec 2009 Genesis 44:18-47:27 Issue #11 Parashat Vayigash

This week we find ourselves in the midst of one of the greatest of the Torah narratives as Joseph, in the palace of the Egyptian Pharaoh, reveals that “I am Joseph your brother.” It is a line that has meaning for interreligious dialogue in our times. At the historic meeting between Pope John XXIII and Jewish leaders at the time of Vatican II, Pope John (whose Christian name was Giuseppe, ‘Joseph’) opened his address with the words “I am Joseph your brother” thus marking a new era of Jewish-Christian reconciliation. Read more in “Light of Torah” (Issue #11).

 

 2 Jan 2010 Genesis 47:28-50:26 Issue #12 Parashat Vayechi

Our Torah portion contains two deathbed scenes: that of Jacob and his son Joseph. Both of them die what we might call ‘a good death;’ surrounded by family, mentally alert, able to impart blessings, say their ‘goodbyes’ and tie up loose ends. Not every family is so lucky. Even so, the history of tension in Jacob’s and Joseph’s family life continues to emerge in this portion. Join us as we explore this Torah passage in “Light of Torah” (Issue #12). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

9 Jan 2010 Exodus 1:1-6:1 Issue #13 Parashat Shemot

For those following our Torah journey, we begin a new book of the Torah: the Book of Exodus. The title immediately brings to mind images of Moses the great liberator, the Israelites’ wandering in the desert, the Ten Commandments, and so on. For many of us, our familiarity with this Book comes from childhood bible stories, or perhaps from film and song. Now we have a chance to explore it afresh. What buried treasure can we uncover? Join us this week as we explore this Torah passage with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #13). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

16 Jan 2010 Exodus 6:2-9:35 Issue #14 Parashat Vaera

Our Torah portion presents a sequence of encounters between Pharaoh and the two Hebrew brothers, Moses and Aaron. The encounters have a larger stage too, for this is really a dramatic confrontation between the egomaniacal powers of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, versus the Lord God, King of the universe (of whom Moses and Aaron are agents). Today, with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #14), we will focus especially on Ex. 6:1-13 in which God’s name is revealed and the Covenant reaffirmed. For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

23 Jan 2010 Exodus 10:1-13:16 Issue #15 Parashat Bo

Our Torah portion this week contains the story of a momentous event that shapes Israel as a people and is told and retold down through the generations to this very day. What event? The Passover; the ritual meal which the Jews shared on the night of their exodus out of Egypt. With this story comes the first comprehensive list of religious precepts that we find in the Torah. Many more will follow in other books of the Torah, especially in Leviticus. But here, at the critical turning point of the Passover, we find the first. Read more in “Light of Torah” (Issue #15). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

  

30 Jan 2010 Exodus 13:17-17:16 Issue #16 Parashat Beshalach

In Exodus 14:15-16 the Lord speaks to Moses in the midst of a dramatic and terrifying scene: Having escaped from Egypt, the Hebrew refugees find themselves trapped on the shore of the Red Sea: an expanse of water on one side and, on the other, Egyptian chariots in pursuit with murderous intent. In their terror the people cry out to the Lord and even accuse Moses of leading them to their death. Now, in verses 15-16, God intervenes... Read more in “Light of Torah” (Issue #16). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

6 Feb 2010 Exodus 18:1-20:23 Issue #17 Parashat Yitro

Our Torah portion this week, set in the wilderness of Sinai, includes a momentous event: the giving of the Ten Commandments. It also includes a story less familiar to Catholics: the visit of Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, who has a major impact on Israel’s fledgling leadership structure. But if Moses has a father-in-law, he also has a wife. Who is she and why is the text so silent about her? Join us in pondering this unusual question as we explore our Torah passage with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #17). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

13 Feb 2010 Exodus 21:1-24:18 Issue #18 Parashat Mishpatim

This week’s Torah portion continues the story of the Israelites at Mt. Sinai. A code of conduct is introduced in the form of a list of judicial rulings. The list twice makes mention of the obligation to treat the ‘stranger’ justly. The sages of Israel were sensitive to this, noting that it is most frequently quoted of all the commandments in the Torah, mentioned no less than 36 times, even more often than the commandment to love God! Join us in a closer look at this ancient rule about the treatment of strangers with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #18).  For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

20 Feb 2010 Exodus 25:1-27:19 Issue #19 Parashat Terumah

As our Torah portion opens, the revelation at Sinai has concluded and the text turns to the spiritual welfare of the Israelites during their desert trek to the promised land. This requires elaborate plans for the building of a mobile sanctuary, known in English as the ‘tabernacle.’ By why would God, who cannot be contained by time and space, request a holy dwelling place with specific measurements and fixtures? Join us for a fascinating discussion with the sages of old. Pick up a copy of “Light of Torah” (Issue #19). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

 

27 Feb 2010 Exodus 27:20-30:10 Issue #20 Parashat Tetzaveh

In this week’s Torah portion, God continues to guide Moses in creating a system of worship… all in the midst of the desert! At first glance, it may not appear to be exciting reading… Why all this tedious detail about the making of priestly vestments, you ask? Can it really be that important? Pick up a leaflet “Light of Torah” (Issue #20) and explore this question. You will be surprised by the delightful insights embedded in our biblical tradition!   For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

6 March 2010 Exodus 30:11-34:35 Issue #21 Parashat Ki Tisa

At the foot of Mt Sinai the Israelites rebel and erect a golden calf. Up until this point they had witnessed miracle after miracle at the hand of God who had delivered them from Egypt. Having been lifted so high, how could they fall from grace so suddenly, embracing pagan idolatry in the blink of an eye? This question intrigued Israel’s Sages and commentators down the ages. Join in their discussions with the help of the leaflet “Light of Torah” (Issue #21).  For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

13 March 2010 Exodus 35:1-40:38 Issue #22 Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei

Now that the crisis of the Golden Calf has been resolved (see last week’s Torah portion), the story returns to God’s instructions for building the Tabernacle. But just before the instructions begin, God reminds the people to keep the Sabbath holy. The Jewish Sages puzzled over this: the command to keep the Sabbath holy has already been given numerous times in the text, why repeat it here?? Read “Light of Torah” (Issue #22) and join in their discussions! For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

20 March 2010 Leviticus 1:1-5:26 Issue #23 Parashat Vayikra

For those who are participating in our Torah-reading process, today we begin a new book: Leviticus. Compared to the action-packed stories of Genesis and Exodus, we notice a lack of movement. The entire book is set in one place: at the foot of Mount Sinai. There, in the wilderness, God speaks, forming the people by unveiling a series of laws or instructions: how to worship, how to behave, how to deal with transgressions. Through a system of order and repetitive ritual, the identity of God’s people is solidified. To find out more, read “Light of Torah” (Issue #23). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

27 March 2010 Leviticus 6:1-8:36 Issue #24 Parashat Tzav

Today’s Torah portion continues with instructions about systems of worship. It begins with further details about how to bring sacrificial offerings near to the altar, and it ends with the ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests. Of particular interest to us today are two verses prohibiting the  consumption of blood (7:26-27). What is behind this prohibition? What relevance could it have for us today? With the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #24) let's explore this issue. For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

3 April 2010 Exodus 14:1-15:21 Issue #25 SPECIAL EASTER ISSUE

Our Torah reading this week revisits the story of the crossing of the Red Sea in the Book of Exodus. This text is precious to Jews and Christians alike. It is central to the Jewish Seder meal at Passover, and it is an important reading in the Easter Vigil held in Catholic churches throughout the world.

Our Torah portion today also contains a surprise. It takes as its focus two verses which the Easter Vigil Exodus reading omits! The Easter Vigil reading finishes with the victory song led by Moses (usually sung as a psalm). Our Torah discussion begins with the victory song led by Miriam. To find out more, see“Light of Torah” (Issue #25). For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

10 April 2010 Leviticus 9:1-11:47 Issue #26 Parashat Shemini

Today’s Torah begins with the first priestly acts carried out by Aaron (Lev. 9). It continues with the story of an illicit rite carried out by two of Aaron’s sons, with disastrous consequences (Lev.10).  Finally, in Lev.11, we hear of the distinctions between ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ foods. The dietary laws of ancient Israel may seem remote and strange until we start to consider how we manage our own values through the conscious act of separating people and things. See “Light of Torah” (Issue #26) … the discussion may surprise you!  For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

17 April 2010 Leviticus 12:1-15:33 Issue #27 Parashat Tazria-Metzorah

Today’s Torah portion continues the theme of ritual purity. Particularly jarring to contemporary ears are the opening verses that declare a woman who has just given birth to be in a state of ritual impurity:

“The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the children of Israel, saying: If a woman conceives and bears a male child, she shall be ceremonially unclean seven days … (Lev.12:1-2)

Does this statement bother you? It has certainly bothered Jewish biblical commentators through the generations! Join with the rabbis in exploring these verses with the aid of “Light of Torah” (Issue #27).  For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

24 April 2010 Leviticus 16:1-20:27 Issue #28 Parashat Aharei-Kedoshim

What does it mean to be holy as God is holy; to live our earthly lives in partnership with the divine? Today’s Torah portion shows Israel establishing a code of conduct that makes it ‘different’ in belief and custom to the surrounding cultures. See Light of Torah (Issue #28).  For more listen to podcast by Jack Driscoll,cfc.

1 May 2010 Leviticus 21:1-24:23 Issue #29 Parashat Emor

In today’s Torah portion lies a verse that describes two of Judaism’s key commandments. This verse (Lev. 22:32) has been called ‘Israel’s bible in miniature.’ First, it warns against profaning the Divine Name. Then it calls for the Divine Name to be sanctified (‘hallowed’) by Israel. Join us as we explore this further in “Light of Torah” (Issue #29).

8 May 2010 Leviticus 25:1-27:34 Issue #30 Parashat Behar-Behukotai

Our Torah portion brings us to the end of the Book of Leviticus. Our focus for discussion is the opening verses of a series of blessings found in Lev. 26:3-13. The blessings are sometimes cat­egorized as follows: 1) fruitfulness of the land; 2) peace; 3) victory over enemies; 4) the flourishing of the nation; 5) assurance of the Divine Presence. Our sages take up a fascinating point about what it means to ‘walk’ in God’s ways. Explore their reflections with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #30).

15 May 2010 Numbers 1:1-4:20 Issue #31 Parashat Bamidbar

We begin a new book: Numbers. Its Hebrew title, ‘Bamid­bar’, means ‘in the wilderness.’ It is the story of the Israelites in their desert wanderings. It opens with a census; Moses and Aaron conduct a counting of all the tribes. You will no doubt wonder: why this tedious list of statistics? After the count­ing of the first two tribes we ‘get’ the picture; must we persist with the pattern for another 10 tribes? But we are learning that, in the rabbinic approach, the text repeats itself for divine reasons... Find out more with the help of “Light of Torah” (Issue #31).

22 May 2010 SPECIAL ISSUE FOR SHAVUOT / PENTECOST 

This week’s issue, 22 May 2010, falls a few days after the Jewish festival of Shavuot (commencing sundown on 18 May) and the day prior to the Christian feast of Pentecost; an opportunity to consider the links between the two feasts. For this reason, in Issue #32, we will depart from our usual pattern of Torah reflection.

29 May 2010 Numbers 8:1-12:16 Issue #33 Parashat Beha'alotkha

As the Israelites undertake their epic journey through the wilderness in the Book of Numbers we find story after story of rebellion and conflict. Today’s “Light of Torah” leaflet (Issue #33) explores aspects of the rebellion in chapter 11 and asks: What is the real significance of the people’s complaints over their craving for meat? We also consider the character of Moses in both its fragility and strength.

 

5 June 2010 Numbers 13:1-15:41 Issue #34 Parashat Shelah Lekha

Our focus for discussion this week is the story of the spies (Num.13:1-14:45). Having drawn near to the Promised Land, twelve of the Israelites are sent on a reconnaissance mission to ‘check out’ the land ahead and report back to Moses. A disastrous conflict follows involving Moses and his supporters, their opponents, and God. What could have caused such a breakdown in order and leadership among the Israelites, so close to their destiny? Explore this question with the help of “Light of Torah” Issue #34.

12 June 2010 Numbers 16:1-18:32 Issue #35 Parashat Korah

More rebellion stories appear in the Book of Numbers! This week we see Korah rallying 250 of Israel’s best against Aaron and Moses, challenging their right to hold priestly office and leadership. The Jewish sages ask a fascinating question: “Is the dispute between Korah and Moses ‘for the sake of heaven’?” Explore their discussions with the help of “Light of Torah” Issue #35.

19 June 2010 Numbers 19:1-22:1 Issue #36 Parashat Chukat

In the Israelites’ wilderness jour­ney, Moses and his two siblings, Aaron and Miriam, play a critical leadership role. Today’s Torah portion records the deaths of Miriam and Aaron. It also records, in a tantalizingly brief and cryptic account, the troubling event which leads to Moses (and Aaron) being excluded from entering the Prom­ised Land. Read this story in Num. 20:1-13 with the help of “Light of Torah” #36.

26 June 2010 Numbers 22:2-25:9 Issue #37 Parashat Balak

On their way to the promised land the Israelites encounter one ob­stacle after another: hunger, thirst, rebellion, aggression from foreign tribes. Today’s Torah portion tells the story of how the Israelites are threatened by a Moab king (Balak) who employs a seer (Balaam) to curse his enemy, Israel. It is a colorful story, full of intriguing questions and complete with a talking donkey! Join us as we read “Light of Torah” #37.

3 July 2010 Numbers 25:10-30:1 Issue #38 Parashat Pinhas

Overlooking the Promised Land, Moses is reminded by God of his exclusion from the Promised Land and told to arrange for Joshua to succeed him as leader of the Israelites. Did Moses meet God’s command with unquestioning acceptance? Reading between the lines of Scripture, the Sages of old related stories (midrash) about Moses’ human struggle at this critical point. Explore this fascinating aspect of biblical tradition with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no. 38.

10 July 2010 Numbers 30:2-36:13 Issue #39 Parashat Matot-Masei

Our Torah portion this week closes the Book of Numbers. Our focus is chapter 33 of Numbers which reviews the travels of the Israelites from their departure from Egypt to the edge of the Promised Land. Commentators have long been fascinated by the detailed itinerary and apparent tedium of this text. What refreshment and delight for the soul are to be found hidden in the apparent ‘dryness’ of such a passage? Find out with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.39.

17 July 2010 Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22 Issue #40 Parashat Devarim

Today we begin a new book, Deuteronomy. Its Hebrew title, Devarim, means ‘words.’ What ‘words’? The opening verse tells us that these are the farewell speeches of Moses to the people of Israel as they stand on the plains of Moab, ready to make their final journey, across the Jordan River, to enter the Promised Land. They will make this journey without Moses who is preparing to die as the Lord foretold (Num. 27:13). Read more with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.40.

24 July 2010 Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11 Issue #41 Parashat Vaet'hanan

Our Torah reflection today focuses on Deut. 6:4-9, a passage which finds a central place in Jewish liturgy. The first verse (Deut.6:4), known as the Shema (meaning ‘Listen’ or ‘hear’) is perhaps the most frequently recited verse in the whole bible by Jews. In the prayer life of an observant Jew it is recited twice a day, morning and evening. What is so significant about this verse? Explore this question with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.41.

31 July 2010 Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25 Issue #42 Parashat Ekev

In the Torah we find repeated instances of the Israelites being warned to ‘remember’ and ‘observe;’ that is, to remember God’s saving acts in history, and to observe the commandments so as to enjoy continued blessings. In Jewish biblical interpretation, the Torah never repeats itself without good reason. Repetition calls for the reader’s careful attention. In this spirit, you are invited to explore an example of this repetitious theme with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.42.

7 August 2010 Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17 Issue #43 Parashat R'eih

At first glance, today’s Torah portion may seem like a formidable list of laws and instructions. Yet being in a covenantal relationship with God is not all hard work. Yes, our God has high expectations and isn’t afraid to make demands of his people. But some of those demands are downright delightful! Note the repeated commands to gather the family for a joyous feast. How often do we think of loyalty to God as a call to party?!  Explore this passage with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.43.

14 August 2010 Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9 Issue #44 Parashat Softim

Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue… (Deut.16:20).

The repetition of the Hebrew word for justice, tzedek, has attracted much attention and interpretation over time. Because ancient biblical Hebrew did not have punctuation, repetition was a common way to indicate emphasis. It also opened the door for further interpretation. What kinds of interpretations emerge from the great sages?  Come and explore this passage with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.44.

21 August 2010 Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19 Issue #45 Parashat Ki Tetze

Care for the poor is a recurrent theme in the Torah. A number of precepts make provision for their welfare: the release of debts, prohibition of usery, the poor man’s tithe, etc. What absorbs our attention today, however, is a different kind of welfare practice. Described in Deut. 24:19-21, the leftovers of the harvest are to be available to ‘the stranger, the fatherless, the widow’.  Come and explore this passage with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.45.

28 August 2010 Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8 Issue #46 Parashat Ki Tavo

In sight of the Promised Land, Moses prepares his people for entry by giving them a ritual of thanksgiving which is to be performed when they get there. The ancient symbolic action of this week’s Torah passage is packed with insights for our own lives today. Come and explore this passage with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.46.

4 September 2010 Deuteronomy 29:9-31:30 Issue #47 Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelekh

Moses continues to prepare the Israelites for the journey ahead, the journey to be made after entering the Promised Land; the journey that will be made without him. Our particular focus in this week’s Torah portion are four lovely verses which would make a fitting mission statement for our Light of Torah series. Explore this passage with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.47.

11 September 2010 Deuteronomy 32:1-52 Issue #48 Parashat Ha'azinu. Shabbat Shuva.

In this ‘Song of Moses’ the author places on the lips of Moses a recollection by God of the troubled relationship between God and Israel. Through 52 tumultuous verses, a story of the redemption of a people is told. Come and explore this passage with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.48. On the back page we include acknowledgment of Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, which is celebrated this week in Jewish communities.

18 September 2010. Special issue for Yom Kippur.

This week, Jews celebrate Yom Kippur, (‘Day of Atonement’). We depart slightly from our usual Torah-reading format to focus on the meaning of this festival and how it reveals the God of mercy and compassion. Sometimes we Christians act as if the teaching about God’s compassion started with Jesus! But Jesus himself drew from a teaching handed down through his people, the Jewish people. God’s loving mercy is powerfully embedded in the Hebrew Scriptures. Learn more with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.49.

25 September 2010. Special Issue for Sukkot.

This week, Jews are celebrating the beautiful festival of Sukkot. We depart slightly from our usual Torah-reading format to focus on the meaning of this festival and what it can teach us about living trustingly under the shelter of divine providence. Learn more with the help of “Light of Torah” leaflet no.50

 Today’s issue concludes a whole year of Torah reflection. If you have travelled with us through the year, through all five books of the Torah, well done! May you enjoy Sukkot in a special way. And next week? With a new series of leaflets and fresh insights, the Torah cycle starts all over again! Genesis 1:1: In the beginning....