Parsha Ha’azinu Deuteronomy 32:1–52 By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger In Parsha Ha’azinu, Moses delivers a profound, poetic song as his final message to the Israelites before his death. It is a song of testimony, calling upon Heaven and Earth as witnesses to the covenant between God and Israel. While the imagery and warnings are […]

Nitzavim-Vayelech Deut. 29:9–31:30 By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger In this week’s double Torah portion, Nitzavim–Vayelech, we read about Moses’ final moments as a leader as he delivers his last words of advice to the Israelites, taking care to prepare them for a future without him. Beneath the surface of these words, there is ‎a […]

Ki Tavo: The Power of Gratitude and Responsibility By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger This week’s Torah portion, Ki Tavo, opens with a profound mitzvah – the bikkurim – the first fruits. After the Israelites enter the Promised Land, they are commanded to bring the first fruits of their harvest to the Temple, presenting them […]

Ki Tetze  Deut. 21:10–25:19  By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger  In this week’s Parshat Ki Tetze, Moses continues his marathon farewell speech. Imagine Moses, the ultimate motivational speaker, standing before the Israelites as he delivers one last dose of wisdom before they cross into the Promised Land. I imagine Moses may have been much like […]

Parashat Shoftim Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9  By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger   In this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim, we encounter a central commandment: Tzedek, tzedek tirdof – Justice, justice, shall you pursue. (Deut. 16:20)  There is no doubt that the value pursuing justice is the cornerstone to the Torah’s vision of how to build and sustain a moral […]