October 2011
Each year we read the Torah from beginning to end. With the Days of Awe (Rabbi White prefers that phrase over High Holidays) we reach the end of the Torah and then begin anew.
It is at the end of the Torah that Moses dies and his successor Joshua leads the Tribe of Israel into the Promised Land. Moses transfers the mantle of leadership to Joshua in the presence of the people, saying “be strong and resolute; for Adonai your God marches with you: God will not fail you or forsake you.”
Moses writes down the Torah and puts it in the care of the priests and elders who are charged with its public reading every year. “Read this Teaching aloud in the presence of all Israel,” Moses instructs the kohanim, the priests. Today, thousands of years later we read the Torah every year.
All of us have the source of learning that the Rabbis have. The great teachings and wisdom are not a secret, only for the leaders. The teaching and wisdom is open to every one of us willing to set aside time for learning.
In learning, a Jew hears the voice of God. In study, a Jew joins a dialogue of love between God and the Jewish People. Rabbi Finklestein said, “When I pray, I speak to God. When I study, God speaks to me.”
Thinking is one of Judaism’s greatest gifts. The God of Israel doesn’t glory in secrets, mysteries, or magic. Our God wants thinking, feeling partners in the ongoing work of Creation.
As we begin to read the Torah anew, Genesis page one, we have before us the Wisdom of the ages. Hillel taught “Do not say ‘when I have leisure, I will study,’ for you may never have leisure.” The Torah awaits us.
It is at the end of the Torah that Moses dies and his successor Joshua leads the Tribe of Israel into the Promised Land. Moses transfers the mantle of leadership to Joshua in the presence of the people, saying “be strong and resolute; for Adonai your God marches with you: God will not fail you or forsake you.”
Moses writes down the Torah and puts it in the care of the priests and elders who are charged with its public reading every year. “Read this Teaching aloud in the presence of all Israel,” Moses instructs the kohanim, the priests. Today, thousands of years later we read the Torah every year.
All of us have the source of learning that the Rabbis have. The great teachings and wisdom are not a secret, only for the leaders. The teaching and wisdom is open to every one of us willing to set aside time for learning.
In learning, a Jew hears the voice of God. In study, a Jew joins a dialogue of love between God and the Jewish People. Rabbi Finklestein said, “When I pray, I speak to God. When I study, God speaks to me.”
Thinking is one of Judaism’s greatest gifts. The God of Israel doesn’t glory in secrets, mysteries, or magic. Our God wants thinking, feeling partners in the ongoing work of Creation.
As we begin to read the Torah anew, Genesis page one, we have before us the Wisdom of the ages. Hillel taught “Do not say ‘when I have leisure, I will study,’ for you may never have leisure.” The Torah awaits us.
Fred Zola