More Resources

symbols

As the Light of Torah vision continues to be shared in parishes and other pastoral settings, accompanying resources emerge. A selection of those resources follows.

Unless otherwise indicated the following publications are authored by Teresa Pirola and published by The Story Source. Illustrations: Francine Pirola and Sarann Ryan. With appropriate acknowledgment they may be reproduced for non-commercial pastoral use.

 

 Reflections on Scripture passages:

  • Light of Torah: Torah reflections for each week of the year, commencing with the start of the annual Jewish cycle of readings in October.
  • In the Beginning. A two page reflection on Genesis 1 (Parashat Bereshit). Published by Bat Kol Institute, Jerusalem.
  • Blessing & Temptation. A two page reflection on Deuteronomy 8 (Parashat Eikev). Published by Bat Kol Institute, Jerusalem.
  • Pentecost. A reflection from the Light of Torah series on the link between Pentecost and the Jewish Festival of Weeks (Shavuot).
  • Three Biblical 'Greats:' Noah, Abraham, Moses. Notes from a Light of Torah workshop presented by Jack Driscoll, cfc. See also Rethinking Noah's Ark by Teresa Pirola.
  • Archaeology of the Word. Each series (below) contains an introduction to a biblical reflection method based on Jewish interpretative approaches, followed by sample applications to a specific bible passage.
  • More on Archaeology of the Word. See article by Kevin L. McDonnell. ‘Reading the Bible as Jesus read it: traditional Jewish methods of Bible study for Christians.’ First published in Grace and Truth 22:1(2005): 44-53.
  • TANAKH at a Glance. A one page overview of the books of the Hebrew bible.

Sabbath & Sunday

Home-rituals

  • Celebrating Exodus: Home-based Rituals for Christians. (READ version. PRINT BOOKLET version.)
  • Celebrating Exodus FEEDBACK. Notes on one family’s experience of holding an exodus ritual (with adults and children) in the home.
  • See also resources listed under ‘Sabbath and Sunday.’

Parish life: rituals, gatherings, sacraments

  • Water Blessing. A meditation which links the gift of baptism with the sacred stories of the Torah.
  • A Prayer Reflection on the gift of trees, seeds, fruits & spiritual growth. Acknowledging Tu B’Shevat (the Jewish ‘festival of trees’) in Catholic life.
  • O Lord Open my Lips... A brief teaching point and prayerful reflection illustrating how knowledge of the Hebrew language can enrich Catholic prayer.
  • Advent Prayers of the Faithful. For each week of Advent a prayer that acknowledges with gratitude the fidelity of the Jewish people that brought forth our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
  • Advent: A Time of Longing.  A 3 minute Powerpoint reflection played during the lighting of the Advent candles at Advent Masses.
  • Lenten Reconciliation Liturgy. Outline of a second rite reconciliation liturgy inspired by Deuteronomy 34:6-7 and Jewish customs (see also: order of service below).
  • Lenten Reconciliation order of service. An order of service for a parish reconciliation ceremony (2nd rite) inspired by Deuteronomy 34:6-7 and Jewish customs (see also: liturgy outline above).
  • Reconciliation Teaching Tools. A series of five one page reflections with middle-eastern insights into the parable of the Lost Sheep.
  • .1 .2 .3 .4 .5
  • Reconciliation. A one page reflection used with parents who are preparing their children for the sacrament of Reconciliation. Draws on an ancient Jewish midrash (story).
  • Holy Spirit. A one page creative exercise to give to parents who are preparing their children for the sacrament of Confirmation. It plays with the Hebrew word for Spirit/breath.

Magazine and newsletter articles

Youth events

  • To be a people. A presentation by Teresa Pirola to 500 youth from Antioch youth communities gathered as part of World Youth Day preparations, Sydney 2008.
  • To be a people: talk outline. Guidelines for a talk to be given in a local Antioch youth community, based on Teresa Pirola’s WYD presentation (above).
  • Love the Lord! A simple outline for teaching the Shema, Deut. 6:4-7, designed for a classroom or youth group setting.
  • Sh’ma. The words of the Sh’ma (Deut 6.4-7) put to music by Teresa Pirola.

 Parish Start-up and promotional materials

 More

Two websites which offer a wealth of documents and resources for Christians exploring Judaism are batkol.info and etz-hayim.com

Links of interest: