Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Shoftim 5771: Pursuing Justice Justly

Fabulous article on translating texts by Dr. Joel Hoffman.  It includes references to the cities of refuge which are mentioned yet again in this week's parasha.

Sorry for the barking in the background..but Moonshine and Magnolia were determined to be part of this week's podcast.

Don't forget to go the Torah Threads Ravelry group to join in on the study group forming there.



Monday, August 22, 2011

Reeh 5771: Blessings, Curses, Blessings



Thanks to The Clothed in the Lamb podcast for mentioning me and for sending listeners my way.  Please do visit Itunes and put in a review (a good one I hope) to help others find Torah Threads.  

The image below is based on this week's parasha.  Please read the artist's statement as it beautifully conveys a special part of the Torah portion.  



Andi Arnovitz, USA/Israel

Re'eh
Parshat Re'eh

Parshat Re'eh

Artist Statement

I have always loved this parsha because the fundamentals of the Jewish concept of tzedakah are carefully explained here. Although there are many blessings and curses given, as an artist searching for the most graphic statement in the parsha, I found the "If there shall be a destitute person among you, any of your brethren in any of your cities, in the land that Hashem your G-d gives you, you shall not harden your heart or close your hand against your destitute brother. Rather, you shall open your hand to him; you shall lend him his requirement, whatever is lacking to him."
In this piece I worked in layers, symbolizing the many layers of understanding and interpretation that exist in the Torah. I have used the image of the hamsa, so prevalent here in Jerusalem, to represent the hand open in giving. I have sewn them, but left the tops open so they could actually hold money. Hanging from these hands are all the categories of obligation to which an individual is required to give charity. (From the Kitzer Shuchan Aruch. These include the orphan and widow, the poor of Jerusalem, the captive and the schools. All require our attention.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Ekev 5771: Fertility and Fidelity

This is the Parsha Cake Blogs' Ekev cake showing the all the good things with which the Israelites will be blessed when they enter the promised land.  2 questions:  Which verse does this refer to?  What are the species depicted?



We send our condolence to the families of those killed at the Indiana State Fair and prayers of healing to those who were injured.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Vaetchanan 5771: Loving God and Being Holy

For Information on the laws and customs of the Mezuzah see:

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Life_Stages/Building_a_Jewish_Home/Home_and_Community/Mezuzah.shtml.  You can also see an interesting Cartoon Video explaining how to hang a Mezuzah.
For a story on a legal case about a Mezuzah see:  http://www.myshtetl.co.za/media/expatriatenews/usa/texas-enacts-law-defend-mezuzot

Notice the large "ayin" letter at the tip of the "yad" the pointer, and the large "dalet" at the end of the same line.  These to letters make the Hebrew word "AYD" or witness.  Which reminds us to use this phrase to bear witness to The Eternal God.


Please write me if you are interested in getting together at the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck NY for Shabbat Dinner.