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Joseph and Forgiveness
Back to our parashat-ha-yom, daily Parashah, commentary heading into the High Holy Days, after a Labor Day hiatus – remember that Shabbat was the first fair labor practice ever! Today we look at...
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Noticing the Normal and Finding the Miraculous
Today we look at Shemot, Exodus 1:1 – 6:1 – the first section of the Book of Exodus. During this parashah we go from the death of Joseph to the beginning of the bringing of the plagues and the conflict...
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We Make Our Own Redemption
Today we look at Va-Eira, Exodus 6:2 – 9:35 – God’s instructions to Moses to free the Israelites, the description of the descendants of Israel in Egypt by name and tribe, and lots of plagues. In order...
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Make the Present by Remembering the Past
Today we look at Bo, Exodus 10:1 – 13:16 – the conclusion of the plagues leading to the Israelites leaving Egypt and servitude. The main theme of this parashah culminates in the practices of Passover,...
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Look Before We Kvetch
Today we look at B’shalach, Exodus 13:17 – 17:16 – the Israelites leave Egypt, Pharaoh chases them, the Sea of Reeds splits, we celebrate our freedom en route to Mount Sinai, plus the beginning of...
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Remembering 9/11 and Thinking About Elul
Today we look at Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1 – 24:18 – lots of laws, the promise of a guardian that will go before the Israelites and vanquish our enemies as we enter the Land of Israel, and the call to...
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Relationships first, attachment to details later
Today for our daily Elul thought we look at T’rumah, Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 – God’s instructions on donations and construction regarding the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, or portable Temple space, and all of...
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Dress for spiritual success, judge not
Today for our daily Elul thought we look at T’tzaveh, Exodus 27:20 – 30:10 – more details about things for the Mishkan, or portable Temple, the special garb for the priesthood, offering ceremonies for...
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Transformation all around, if only we would see it
Today for our daily Elul thought we look at Ki Tisa, Exodus 30:11 – 34:35 – a lot happens here, not least of which is the Golden Calf incident. I just had a random reason to glance at one particular...
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Accepting our limits allows us to go farther
Tomorrow night is Rosh HaShanah – the daily Elul thought will transform into daily thought for the High Holy Days or Days of Awe, as the month of Elul will end, and become the month of Tishrei. Make...
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