Torah Portion: Parashah

Each week, we read a different section of the Torah. Sometimes we read stories about our ancestors’ journeys. Sometimes we read details about the ancient Temple or complex lists of laws. Whatever the content, the Torah portion (or parashah) is frequently the basis for discussions and sermons at Shabbat services in synagogue and throughout the week. Torah text has also been the inspiration for many contemporary songs, poems, and prayers.

Latest Rituals

Dear Moses

“Then how Aaron cradles the blossom for you…”

Aaron, love, Moses, speech

Genesis 25:8

“The children of Abraham, / bowing their heads / to bury the past and join hands in grief.”

Abraham, Genesis, grief, Isaac, Ishmael, Israel

Tsom Shovavim

A guide to a renewal and reconstruction of an obscure Jewish fasting practice called ‘Tsom Shovavim.’

exodus, fasting, Shovavim, teshuvah

Dinah’s Brothers, Tamar’s Husbands

“One more dangerous reading, and I tore my hair /in pain with the story’s daughters, Dinah and Tamar.”

family, matriarchs, torah

Dinah’s Voice

“Your story is not over; your life is larger than this. / We’re listening.”

hostages, Israel, Jewish women, justice, women's rights

Blessing for the Way Ahead

“And may we always draw on joy in the darkness…”

justice, kindness, lekh lekha, resilience

Sky and Seas

This short poem is inspired by the process of creation as told in Bereshit.

creation, Genesis, God

Alternate 10 Commandment Posters For Schools and Other Settings

A new interpretation of 10 universal laws.

10 Commandments, Goddess, Shekhinah

Ezekiel

“I have no people and my God makes me mourn…”

Ezekiel, God, midrash

The Water Waited

“The water waited to see the animals again, / the shapes they would assume and the sounds they’d make…”