Tag Archives: Torah

Unveiling the Significance of Shavuot

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In the quiet moments of my childhood, I grew up amidst a tapestry of Jewish traditions intertwined with secular education, each thread shaping who I am today. My journey from the familiar streets of Montreal to virtual classrooms and the revered Shiviti schools in Jerusalem has been one of deep exploration into my roots. As Shavuot approaches, I reflect on this often-overlooked holiday and its profound significance—not just for Jews, but for everyone.

Shavuot: A Moment of Universal Revelation

Shavuot, known as zman matan toratenu—the time of the giving of our Torah—marks a pivotal moment in human history. The story is recounted in Exodus 20:1-17, where G-d reveals the Torah at Mount Sinai. This event transcends a mere religious occurrence; it embodies universal principles beyond faith and culture. The choice of the wilderness for this revelation highlights that the teachings of the Torah are meant for all people, regardless of background or status. This concept resonates deeply with me, reinforcing that wisdom and teachings can emerge from the most unexpected places and are available to anyone willing to seek them out.

The Ten Commandments: A Blueprint for All

The Ten Commandments, or aseret hadibrot, are not solely directives for Jews but serve as a blueprint for a meaningful life, inspiring many across the globe. Delivered by G-d at Mount Sinai 50 days after the Israelites departed from Egypt, these commandments are part of a broader framework of 613 laws guiding human conduct.

Consider Leviticus 19:35-36, which addresses fair business practices. This passage echoes the eighth Commandment about not bearing false witness and the ninth about not stealing:

“You shall not commit a perversion of justice with measures, weights, or liquid measures. You shall have accurate scales and weights.”

In Canada, where honesty in business is highly valued, these ancient principles still resonate today. They remind us of the deep roots of our values of truthfulness and fairness—principles essential for a just society.

Another fundamental teaching involves the fair treatment and prompt payment of workers, linking back to the commandments against theft and false testimony:

“Do not withhold the workers’ wage with you until morning.” (Leviticus 19:13).

“Do not extort the impoverished wage… Each day, you shall pay him his wage—the sun shall not rise upon it—for he is poor, and he has staked his life for it.” (Deuteronomy 24:14-15)

These commandments, including those against theft and lying, connect with the tenth Commandment against coveting. Unchecked desires can lead to significant societal issues, as history has shown with the exploitation and suffering during the Nazi regime. Books like Amos Elon’s The Pity of It All reveal how misunderstanding and mistreatment of any community can have devastating consequences, underscoring the universal relevance of these teachings.

The First Five Commandments: A Universal Connection with the Divine

The first five commandments focus on our relationship with G-d, yet their core principles resonate universally. They begin with prohibitions against other gods and idolatry, emphasizing respect for the Divine and our unique covenant.

In the Sinai desert, G-d revealed Himself not as a demanding ruler but as a compassionate force, contrasting with the Egyptian pharaohs who sought worship. Instead of creating idols, G-d calls us to embrace ideals of love, compassion, and justice—universal principles deeply relevant to everyone.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks reminds us that true freedom requires more than just the overthrow of tyranny:

“Freedom is not won by merely overthrowing a tyrannical ruler or an oppressive regime. That is usually only the prelude to a new tyranny, a new oppression. True freedom requires the rule of law and justice.”¹

The Torah’s laws aim to improve human lives, not merely serve divine interests. For instance, the prohibition against making images of G-d teaches us to focus on love and justice rather than material representations. These ideals can guide anyone in their quest for a better world.

The Sabbath, a cherished gift from G-d, highlights the importance of rest and reflection. It’s not merely a day off; it’s a time to recharge, reconnect, and appreciate what truly matters:

“Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord your God…”

Another vital commandment, honouring our parents, underscores their role in passing down essential values. This theme resonates with the universal principle of valuing and respecting those who guide and nurture us.

Celebrating Shavuot: A Universal Invitation

As Shavuot arrives, Jewish communities worldwide will gather for all-night Torah study sessions. This tradition, rich with history, brings the holiday’s significance to life. One of my favourite stories is of Rabbi Akiva, who, when challenged to summarize the Torah while standing on one leg, responded:

“Do not do unto others what you would not want them to do unto you. The rest is commentary.”

The Baal Shem Tov, a 17th-century Hassidic leader, taught that understanding the Torah extends beyond study—it’s also about celebrating with good food, drink, laughter, song, and dance. Shavuot is a time for deep analysis, coming together with family and friends, sharing traditions, and finding joy in our heritage. This spirit of celebration and reflection can inspire anyone, regardless of their background.

Legacy of the Torah: A Guiding Light for All

For centuries, the Torah has been a guiding light for the Jewish people, offering principles of freedom, joy, and prosperity. Its teachings provide a universal roadmap for living a life filled with meaning and purpose. As we celebrate Shavuot, let’s deepen our connection with these timeless principles, seeking wisdom and understanding as we strive to build a world rooted in justice, compassion, and love. May this celebration inspire us all to grow, connect, and transform throughout the year.

FOOTNOTE:

  1. Sacks, Jonathan. Passover’s Lessons for Freedom Fighters. The Rabbinical Council of America, 2012.

Letter to my great-nephew on his Bar Mitzvah

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Dear Yonadav,

Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah! Celebrating this special milestone in Jerusalem is extraordinary, and I want to send you my warmest congratulations and best wishes.

Shabbat Shalom!

In Parshat Vaera, Hashem’s words to Moses speak directly to you. Reflecting on your journey, the story of liberation from Egypt feels incredibly personal today. Your grandparents endured great hardships seventy years ago, facing oppression and struggle. Here you are, flourishing in the land promised to our ancestors—an incredible testament to how far we’ve come.

Yonadav, your path mirrors the story of Baby Moses, navigating a world full of uncertainty. Yet, you’ve reached this momentous day with divine guidance, family support, and community strength. You are indeed a “Gibor Yisrael,” a hero of Israel.

In these challenging times, the wisdom of ancient Psalms can be a source of comfort and inspiration. Just as our ancestors sang these Psalms in the Jerusalem Temple, we find strength in them today. Each day of the week, we draw upon different Psalms to uplift our spirits and guide our prayers:

On Sunday, we sing with gratitude for the world around us: “The earth is the LORD’s and all that it holds, the world and its inhabitants.”

On Monday, we honour our Jewish legacy and the Torah: “Hashem is great and much acclaimed in the city of our G-d, His holy mountain.” (Psalm 24)

On Tuesday, we appreciate our courts and judges for their role in justice: “G-d stands in the congregation of the Almighty. Amid the judges does He judge to see if they will judge by the truth.” (Psalm 82)

On Wednesday, we pray for ultimate justice: “G-d of retribution, Hashem, G-d of retribution, appear! Rise, judge of the earth, Give the arrogant their deserts!” (Psalm 94)

On Thursday, we celebrate creativity and music: “Sing joyously to G-d, our strength; Raise a shout for the G-d of Jacob.” (Psalm 81)

On Friday, we reaffirm our faith in Hashem’s care for the world: “Hashem is king, He is robed in grandeur; He is girded with strength. The world stands firm; It cannot be shaken.” (Psalm 93)

On Shabbat, we take a moment to praise and reflect: “It is good to praise the Divine, to sing hymns to Your name, O Most High, To proclaim Your steadfast love at daybreak, Your faithfulness each night.” (Psalm 92)

As you continue on your path of Torah and mitzvot, I pray that you remain a source of pride and joy for all who know you.

A heartfelt thank you and blessing also goes to your loving parents, who have guided and supported you to reach this significant milestone.

With love,
Abigail

Herod the Great Unveiled: Power, Betrayal, Tragedy

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The Rise and Fall of Herod the Great is a series that delves into the life of one of Israel’s most complex figures. Herod’s rule was marked by his turbulent marriage to the Hasmonean princess Mariamne and his ruthless political tactics. While he formed alliances with influential figures like Marc Antony, his unbridled ambition ultimately led him to madness.

Herod’s significant expansion of the Second Jewish Temple, which was later destroyed, is one of his most enduring legacies. The drama of his story draws parallels to shows like Game of Thrones, yet the rich Jewish perspective found in sacred texts like the Torah and Talmud often goes unnoticed. Incorporating these texts could provide deeper insights into Herod’s reign and his place in Jewish history.

Lessons from History

Reflecting on Herod’s tumultuous reign, we can glean important lessons about power and ambition. His life serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers of unchecked authority and the havoc it can wreak on both leaders and their people. These lessons urge us to assess historical figures and contemporary leadership.

Ancient texts like the Torah and Talmud can offer valuable insights into Jewish kingship. In Deuteronomy, Moses outlined a governance framework for future Jewish leaders, emphasizing the significance of community and ethical leadership.

“If, after you have entered the land that the LORD your God has assigned to you, and taken possession of it and settled in it, you decide, ‘I will set a king over me, as do all the nations about me,’ you shall be free to set a king over yourself, one chosen by the LORD your God. Be sure to put as king over yourself one of your people; you must not set a foreigner over you, one who is not your relative. Moreover, he shall not keep many horses or send people back to Egypt to add to his horses since the LORD has warned you, ‘You must not go back that way again.’ And he shall not have many wives, lest his heart goes astray; nor shall he amass silver and gold to excess.” (Deuteronomy 17:14-17)

This passage speaks to the essential role of community in leadership. A leader should embody the values and aspirations of the people they serve rather than pursuing personal wealth or power.

Blueprint for Leadership

Building on this, Rabbi Meir Soloveichik offers further insights into the nature of leadership in his podcast episode, “Kohen vs. King.” He emphasizes the inevitability of mistakes made by those in power, drawing a key distinction between the transgressions of priests and kings. In Leviticus, the Torah uses “if” for the sins of priests and “when” for kings, highlighting that leaders, no matter how powerful, are bound to falter.

“Have a copy of this Teaching written for him on a scroll by the Levitical priests. Let it remain with him and let him read in it all his life, so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God, to observe faithfully every word of this Teaching as well as these laws. Thus, he will not act haughtily toward his fellows or deviate from the Instruction to the right or the left, to the end that he and his descendants may reign long amid Israel.” (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)

These teachings remind us that even kings must stay grounded and avoid arrogance. Leaders today, just like those of the past, encounter moments of complex decision-making, and their success hinges on remaining humble and guided by higher principles.

Enduring Legacy

Herod’s reign ended tragically with Roman colonization and the destruction of the Second Temple, but the Jewish tradition persevered. After the devastation, scholars and rabbis fled to Yavneh to preserve Jewish life and thought, leading to the emergence of the Talmud. This dynamic discussion of Jewish law and philosophy has continued to shape Jewish life for centuries.

Today, the Torah and Talmud remain central to Jewish life—not as relics of the past but as living texts that continue to inspire and guide individuals in yeshivas, synagogues, and academic settings worldwide. When integrated into our understanding of history and leadership, their teachings offer profound insights into the complexities of governance and the responsibilities that come with power.

Reflecting on Leadership

Herod’s story encourages us to reflect on the impact of unbridled ambition and the significance of humility in leadership. What lessons can we derive from history as we pursue our aspirations and obligations? Drawing from ancient texts such as the Torah and Talmud provides a more profound comprehension of leadership that echoes through time and is relevant today.

FOOTNOTES:

  1. “Deuteronomy Chapter 17, Verses 14-20.” Sefaria, www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.17.14-20.
  2. Rabbi Meir Soloveichik. “Bible 365, Episode 32: Kohen (Priest) vs King: Two Models of Leadership.” Podcast.
  3. “Deuteronomy Chapter 17, Verse 18.” Sefaria, www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.17.18.

Finding Solace in Torah, Film, and Modern Teachings Amidst a Pandemic

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Jewish Education

When the pandemic hit, life as we knew it was upended overnight. The overwhelming uncertainty and isolation made many of us seek comfort and meaning in familiar places. For me, these sanctuaries became the Torah, film, and modern discourse—each offering a unique form of solace and a connection to enduring wisdom during the global upheaval.

More Than Just an Escape

Movies have always had the power to transport us, offering a break from reality and reflecting our deepest fears and hopes. Surreal and symbolic films like The Green Knight gained prominence during the pandemic. The film’s striking imagery—naked giantesses, a talking fox, and a massive, vine-covered combatant—captivated audiences. As director David Lowery described, “The Green Knight is a hallucinatory, dreamlike journey into the surreal and the subconscious, an exploration of fears, desires, and the nature of honor.”¹ These films were more than mere entertainment; they invited us to explore themes of courage, fear, and the unknown.

In a time when reality felt more surreal than fiction, these fantastical worlds provided a meaningful escape. They allowed us to step away from immediate chaos and engage with messages that resonated with our collective challenges, offering a unique perspective on our experiences.

Ancient Wisdom: Lessons from the Talmud

My quest for meaning extended beyond the silver screen to the rich allegories of Jewish tradition, particularly the Aggadata tales of the Talmud. These stories have long provided intellectual and spiritual nourishment, offering timeless lessons that resonate even today.

Consider the tale of Rabbi Akiva’s students, who perished in a plague. Rabbi Akiva, a towering figure in Jewish history, lost 24,000 students during a devastating plague. The Talmud attributes this plague to the students’ failure to respect one another.² This story is not just about physical loss but a profound moral lesson on unity, compassion, and mutual respect. It is a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of our relationships, especially during global crises.

Modern Insights: The Timelessness of Torah

While some may view the Hebrew Bible as a relic of the past, I have found it to be a timeless guide offering wisdom for contemporary dilemmas. Professor Hazony’s Zoom course, “The Big Questions About Judaism,” reinforced this notion, showing how the Torah continues to illuminate human striving.

Hazony highlighted how the Torah addresses fundamental questions that are still relevant today. For instance, the story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt is not merely a historical account but a meditation on leadership and the struggle for freedom—concepts that resonate deeply in our current world.³

Reflecting on the Parsha each week, I find Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ insights particularly illuminating. In his essay on Parsha Ki Tavo, Rabbi Sacks emphasizes that the Torah is more than a collection of laws or philosophical musings; it is a series of stories probing fundamental questions about identity and purpose. This perspective has deepened my connection to these ancient texts, helping me find relevance and direction in their teachings.⁴

Navigating a Sea of Knowledge

We live in an era of unprecedented access to information. A wealth of resources is at our fingertips, from Torah texts and commentaries to films and online courses. While this abundance can be overwhelming, it also means there is something for everyone, regardless of their spiritual or intellectual journey.

The saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear,” resonates deeply with me. Finding the right teacher has been crucial in my journey. My studies with Yehudis Golshevsky at Shiviti Yeshiva have been transformative, deepening my understanding and connection to these teachings. Shiviti Yeshiva offers more than educational instruction; it provides a supportive community focused on personal growth and spiritual development, integrating traditional Jewish wisdom with contemporary relevance.

A Journey Beyond the Pandemic

The insights I have gained during the pandemic will continue to guide me as we move forward. The Torah, film, and modern teachings have been more than sources of comfort; they have been essential tools for navigating our challenges. These resources will remain vital in helping us better understand ourselves and the world as we look ahead. This journey to find meaning is ongoing, and with each step, we inch closer to a clearer understanding of who we are and where we are headed.

FOOTNOTES:

  1. Lowery, David. “The Green Knight: A Hallucinatory Journey into the Surreal and Subconscious.” The Ringer, 30 July 2021, www.theringer.com/movies/2021/7/30/22599207/the-green-knight-david-lowery-hallucinatory-surreal.
  2. Talmud. Yevamot 62b. Sefaria, https://www.sefaria.org/Yevamot.62b?lang=bi.
  3. Hazony, Yoram. “The Big Questions About Judaism.” Zoom.
  4. Sacks, Jonathan. “Parsha Ki Tavo.” Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, 2024, https://www.rabbisacks.org/essay-parsha-ki-tavo/.