Kee Tisah 5781-2021
“Reverence for Learning in Jewish Tradition”
(updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5763-2003)
Immediately after the sin of the Golden Calf, Moses distances himself from the sinful people. Moving his tent outside the camp, he proceeds to hold court from that location. Scripture tells us that, despite the peoples' rebelliousness, when Moses went out to his tent, the entire nation would stand at the entrance of their tents as a sign of respect. From this gesture of respect, an entireritual of behavior emerged that continues to this day, reflecting the uncompromising reverence for learning that is the very essence of Jewish educational success.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Kee Teitzei 5779-2019
“Polygamy, Illegitimacy and Punishing the Innocent”
(Revised and updated from Kee Teitzei 5760-2000)
Summary: The concept of מַמְזְרוּת--mam’z’rut, illegitimacy, in Judaism, is a very painful topic in Jewish life, but one that underscores the extreme sanctity with which Judaism views the family. Once the sanctity of life is compromised, Jewish life is compromised. The Torah has much to teach concerning proper conduct and compassion in the face of profoundly difficult societal issues and choices.
0 Comments11 Minutes
Kee Tisah 5763-2003
"Reverence for Learning in Jewish Tradition"
Immediately after the sin of the Golden Calf, Moses distances himself from the sinful people. Moving his tent outside the camp, he proceeds to hold court from that location. Scripture tells us that despite the peoples' rebelliousness, when Moses went out to his tent, the entire nation would stand at the entrance of their tents as a sign of respect. From this gesture of respect developed a whole ritual of behavior that continues to this day to reflect the reverence for learning that is the very essence of Jewish educational success.
0 Comments8 Minutes
Kee Teitzei 5760-2000
"Polygamy, Illegitimacy and Punishing the Innocent"
The concept of mamzerut, illegitimacy in Judaism, is a very painful topic in Jewish life but one that underscores the extreme sanctity with which Judaism views the family. Once the sanctity of life is compromised, Jewish life is compromised. The Torah has much to teach about conduct and compassion in the face of difficult societal issues and choices.
0 Comments10 Minutes