Weekly thoughts for each week's parshah (Torah portion). To receive Weekly Torah Thoughts via email or texted to your phone, please email your request to welshabba@gmail.com.
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Miketz (December 16, 2023)
Joseph...was overcome with feeling toward his brother, and was on the verge of tears.
Genesis 43:30
During this holiday season, we often visit or at least correspond with family members with whom we may have little contact the rest of the year. Sometimes our reason may be because there have been hard feeling which we want to amend. Why is it that we wait until a holiday to reach out? Let us reach all to everyone in our families all year. Share love, heal hurts, and communicate with joy instead of regret! Tears of happiness do not sting!
Vayishlach (December 2, 2023)
There (Jacob) built an altar and named the place El-Bethel for it was there that God had revealed Himself to him.
Genesis 35:7
Last week we learned that Jacob learned to recognize the Presence of God in the place where he (Jacob) was. In this week's parshah, God sends Jacob back to Bethel and meets with him there again. A profound lesson that is often missed is the importance of remembering. In this very busy tine of year, it is far to easy to forget the simple but profound things that God has taught us. Take a moment this week to "return" to the House of God (Bethel in Hebrew) and remember!
Vayetze (November 25, 2023)
Jacob awoke and said,"Surely the Lord is present in this place and I did not know it!"
Genesis 28:16
Wherever you might find yourself, God is there. You may not be aware of God's Presence, but the Lord is there! Perhaps all you need is to wake up and sense His Presence!
Toldot (November 17, 2023)
That night the Lord appeared to (Isaac) and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Fear not, for I am with you."
Genesis 26: 24
A few minutes of listening to any newscast will convince most people that there are many reasons to be afraid! Indeed, the author of the book The Gift of Fear suggests that God has given us this very emotion to ensure our safety. God is not suggesting to Isaac that there is no reason to be afraid. God tells him that in God's Presence he has reason not to fear! In a sometimes frightening world, this assurance brings peace of soul: "Fear not, for I (God) am with you!"
Chayei Sarah (November 10, 2023)
Abraham breathed his last...His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah.
Genesis 25: 8-9
Isaac and Ishmael - brothers estranged in their youth - came together to bury their honored and respected father. As I write this Torah Thought, war rages in Eretz Israel among estranged brothers separated by ignorance, ideology, hatred and fear. God remove the hatred and evil that would destroy us. Bring us together to fulfill Your plan, to honor the heritage of our father Abraham, and to bring shalom to the Land and the world. Speedily and in our time. Amen.
Va'yera (November 3, 2023)
The Lord took note of Sarah as He had promised and did for Sarah as He had spoken.
Genesis 21: 1
Given her age, Sarah had every reason to wonder if the Lord would keep his promise. Yet Sarah gave birth to the promised heir. When we look at all the horrible events happening in the world today, dare we believe that there will ever be a better world in this life? Torah tells us emphatically, "Yes!" "The Lord did...as He had spoken." Pray, work and believe and the Lord will do!
Lech Lecha (October 28, 2023)
The Lord said to Abram, "Go forth..."
Genesis 12:1
One of the best known and most widely discussed expressions in the Torah! "Go forth!" It consists of two Hebrew words: Lech lecha. Scholars and sages have long debated this unusual phrasing. Why two words when only one is needed? One commentator has suggested that God is telling Abram, "Go forth for yourself..." Go forth to claim the blessing that God has promised you. Not out of fear, or even obligation, but because you desire to do so. God has promised an unique blessing for everyone. Go forth and confidently claim your blessing!
Noach (October 21, 2023)
God remembered Noah...
Genesis 8:1
As the terrible Genesis flood raged across the earth, God remembered Noah. The destructive evil that humankind embraced destroyed the Paradise that God had created. But God remembered Noah - a truly righteous man. Not perfect...flawed and faltering as humans inevitably are...but righteous. Noah did as God commanded. Because of his righteous living, mankind could begin again. May each of us imperfect mortals embrace the opportunity that God has given us to begin again!
Bereshit (October 14, 2024)
Then the man said, "This one at last is bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh. She shall be called Woman (ishah) for she was taken from man (ish).
Genesis 2:29
It is a sad fact that so many people - both men and women - do not share the Bible's opinion of the value and role of women. This text clearly demonstrates that Adam knew that this Woman was to be his equal, created by God to be his partner. Dare we value Woman less than the Creator?
Beshalach (February 4, 2023)
"Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward!"
Exodus 14:15
Moving forward is an act of faith built on trust. Not until the Hebrews had learned to trust this one God to deliver them at the Sea of Reeds could they enter the covenant at Sinai. Torah is a guide to building strong relationship with God and with our fellows. It takes time to build such relationships. We who are the inheritors of the Covenant need to grow our relationship with the Divine. Our faith is not blind. It is built on trust. And that trust comes from growing and maintaining a relationship with Adonai, our God. That's why we pray,why we study and why we perform mitzvot.
Vayeira (November 12, 2022)
"The Lord took note of Sarah as He had promised."
Genesis 21: 1
How unfortunate that when too many people consider the matriarch Sarah, their thoughts are negative. She laughed when told she would conceive in her old age, she was a victim of patriarchy, etc. Apparently God had no such doubts. "The Lord took note of Sarah as he promised." Sarah was a woman of strong character. Like the rest of us she was human, but God saw within Sarah someone worthy to become the Mother of Many Nations. May God bless us with the insight to see the potential that lies within our fellow humans.
Lech Lecha (November 5, 2022)
The Lord said to Abram, "Go forth...to the land that I will show you."
Genesis 12:1
The Hebrew text that is usually translated "Go forth" left the rabbis of old in a bit of a quandary. The Hebrew text reads, "Lech Lecha." There are no wasted words in Torah. Why, the rabbis ask, does the Torah use two words when only one is required? The answer is that God is telling Abram, "Go forth for yourself..." Abram's motivation is not to do God's will merely from a sense of obligation, nor to obtain some blessing, nor to win the admiration of his fellows. God wants obedience simply because Abram himself wants to do as God desires. May we all aspire to such heights of righteousness!
Bereshit (October 22, 2022)
Surely if you do right, you are uplifted. But if you do not do right, sin couches at the door.
Genesis 4: 6
Our actions matter! Whatever your motivations, whatever your intentions, they become worthless if your actions do not measure up to God's standards for our behavior. Worse still, careless or thoughtless behavior is not only hurtful but can destroy one's character. The old proverb is sage advice: "Think before you act!"
Shoftim (August 14, 2021)
You shall appoint judges and officials for your tribes...and they shall govern the people with justice.
Deuteronomy 16: 18
Torah is beyond politics. This commandment, which is the opening sentence of this week's parshah, is not a statement of who should govern. Rather it is a commandment as to how they should govern. True righteousness brings order to society. To rule justly is the sacred duty of everyone in a position of responsibility - whether that position be in the public or private sectors. We must choose leaders based on their commitment to tzedek (justice) not their social or political connections. Choose wisely!
Re'eh (August 7, 2021)
You shall surely tithe all the increase...
Tithing is not just an moral obligation. It is a divine commandment! God requires that this portion be set aside according to Divine plan. We are to look beyond our own needs and desires and see the needs and desires of those in need. This is a personal obligation. Regardless of what the state or non-governmental organization may do to assist the needy, we are obligated to help. Specifically we are to give from "the increase." In modern terms: from our own wallets! All that we have is we have by the grace of the Creator. Let us give cheerfully!
Va'etchanan (July 24, 2021)
...the Lord said to me, "Gather the people to Me that I may let them hear My words, in order that they may learn to revere Me as long as they live on earth, and so may teach their children."
Deuteronomy 4: 10 (emphasis mine)
With so many voices and sounds competing for our attention today, we need the very timely reminder that the Voice to Whom we should be listening is the voice of God. Only when we block out the noise and confusion around us and hear God's voice can we know truth. Therefore study and learn Torah every day to learn how to give God His due reverence by the way we live our lives. Only then can we truly teach our children by example what a righteous life is. Are you up to the challenge?
Devarim (July 17, 2021)
How can I bear unaided the trouble of you, and the burden, and the bickering! Pick from each of your tribes men who are wise, discerning and experienced, and I will appoint them as your heads.
Deuteronomy 1: 13-14
As his mission nears its end and the people Israel prepare to enter the promised land, Moses reviews the journey they have taken to get to this point. In this text, he recalls the need to appoint leaders to relieve some of the burden of leadership he carries. The first lesson here is simple: "You can't do it alone!" Trying to accomplish a big task without help is foolish and can be overwhelming. Lesson two is equally important: "Pick good people to help." By seeking the assistance of people of good character one can accomplish great things. Simple but yet practical advice from a great leader!
Bo (January 22, 2021)
If the household is too small for a lamb, let him share one with a neighbor who dwells nearby, in proportion to the number of persons: you shall contribute for the lamb according to what each household will eat.
Exodus 12: 4
This is a time of great need. Many families are in need of food, child care, financial resources and more. It is tempting for us to rely on government assistance to solve this problem. Certainly there is a proper role for government to play, but we must not wait for the actions of others. The command of Torah is for those who have to assist those who have not "according to what each household will eat." Ask yourself, "What can I contribute to help my neighbor today?"
Vayeishev (December 12, 2020)
The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man.
Genesis 39: 2
We each have different talents. Some of us are more "successful" than others. Whatever our skills or accomplishments, everything we have accomplished is because the Lord is with us. Let us give thanks.
Vayishlach (December 5, 2020)
"And God said to (Jacob), 'I am God Almighty.'" [ [אֵל שַׁדַּי
Genesis 35: 11
When Isaac gave his blessing to Jacob (Genesis 27: 3) he prayed, "Almighty God (אֵל שַׁדַּי) bless you." In this week's reading as God confirms the blessing to Jacob, He reveals Himself as אֵל שַׁדַּי. The God Who promises is the Almighty God Who performs! May we rest securely in that certainty.
Vayetzei (November 28,2020)
"Of all that You (God) will give me, I shall surely give a tenth to You."
Genesis 28: 22
How interesting that on the week of the celebration of Thanksgiving, we read of Jacob's vow to give a tithe (tenth) of his income to God! What does gratitude mean? Words of thanks are important, to be sure, but words alone are not enough. Gratitude must be expressed in action as well. Let us express our gratitude by giving of self and substance to God's work.
Toldot (November 21, 2020)
Isaac pleaded with the Lord in behalf of his wife, because she could not conceive.
Genesis 25: 21
No discussion of about the woman's role. No argument concerning who is responsible. Isaac prayed on behalf of his wife. He saw her pain and felt her need. And he prayed! Relationships grow stronger when each person is sensitive to the needs of the other. The challenge this week is to be aware of our partners needs and to be willing to seek God's help on their behalf. May it be so for each of us.
Chayei Sarah (November 14, 2020)
These are the sons of Ishmael...twelve princes according to their nations.
Genesis 25: 16
This week's Torah reading ends in a way that seems strange at first. There is a detailed listing of the sons of Ishmael, Abraham's son by Sarah's maid Hagar. Why is this included? Ishmael is not the promised heir of Abraham's covenant with God. In Genesis chapter 17, God promises Abraham that Ishmael has not been forgotten, but will become "a great nation" in his own right. Here in Genesis 25 the Torah records the fulfillment of God's promise. God will never forsake His promise! What a great comfort in times of uncertainty!
Vayeira (November 7, 2020)
Abraham named that place Adonai yireh (The Lord sees).
Genesis 22: 14
Life is not easy! We sometimes experience circumstances which can only be described as times of trial. In these difficult times we may be tempted to wonder is God really knows what's happening. In the midst of the greatest trial of his life, Abraham learns that God is there and God sees and knows. Most importantly God cares! God sees Abraham's fear and faith. Abraham names the mountain "The Lord sees." Tradition tells us that this very place is the site where the Holy Temple was built. In times of trial know that God sees, cares and will never leave us!
Lech Lecha (October 31, 2020)
The Lord said to Abram, "Go forth...to a land that I will show you."
Genesis 12: 1
God's command begins with the Hebrew words לֶךְ־לְךָ֛ The literal meaning is "go for yourself." When God commands us to "Go," He wants us to do so because it is what we want to do. Not because we're afraid of what will happen if we don't. Not reluctantly, like so many of the prophets were at first. He wants us to be motivated to do God's will because we truly desire to do what God wants. That is the challenge before us. Let us "Go forth" to do His will!
Noach (October 24, 2020)
Noah did all that the Lord had commanded him.
Genesis 7: 5
When confronted with a crisis (like a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic!) one can be tempted either to rely only on Divine intervention or to try to survive simply on human ingenuity. Noah did both! He followed what the Lord told him to do in every particular. He also used his own skills to build the ark. When we stay in touch with God and follow His commandments, we can make our way successfully through life's challenges.
Bereshit (October 17, 2020)
Noah found favor in God's eyes.
Genesis 6:8
Bereshit,
the first Torah reading of the new year, has the potential to be depressing.
Mankind’s behavior begins with making poor choices, progresses through murder
to continual wickedness. With a broken heart, God determines to do away with
the entire human race! But as we come to the end of this segment, there is
reason for hope. Noah has found favor with God. Mankind is not hopeless after
all. Redemption is possible. Noah’s righteous life earns him salvation from the
punishment due to his evil neighbors. May we all s live that we “find favor in
God’s eyes.”
Sukkot (October 3, 2020)
You shall not profane My holy Name, but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel.
Leviticus 22: 31
It is important that we not profane God's Name, either in word or deed. But it is equally important that we hallow His Name by living holy lives. The High Holy Days are now behind us. We have spent time reviewing or actions and renewing our commitment to improving ourselves. On Sukkot we sit together with God in our little huts and celebrate His protection and provision. This is a perfect time to make positive actions to bring honor to God's Holy Name. What might you do?
Bemidbar (May 23, 2020)
The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness...
Numbers 1:1
There are times when when each of us feels like we are "lost in the wilderness." Whether it is a feeling of loneliness, being confused about exactly what to do in a given situation or just a moment of depression, we can be tempted to allow desperation to push us into making poor decisions. Fortunately even in these "wilderness" moments, God is there to speak to us and guide us in the right way. If we are willing to listen!
Behar/Behukotai (May 16, 2020)
I will be ever present in your midst: I will be your God, and you shall be My people.
Leviticus 26: 12
Staying home all day every day can be tiring! Many of us are still required to stay in place except for "essential" travel. We miss our friends and loved ones. We would love to get together, socialize or enjoy a nice meal at our favorite restaurant. However even where the country is beginning to "reopen" we must still follow many restrictions. In times like this it is comforting to know that God is still with us. As we celebrate this Shabbat, let us take time to remember that He is still our God and we are his people. Shabbat shalom!
