Why was Moses Chosen?

Why was Moses Chosen?

Exodus is the most supernatural book in the Hebrew bible. But it is also the climax, the pinnacle of Israel’s story. All roads in the Torah either lead to the Exodus or link back to the Exodus. Before earth-shaking plagues and parting seas, however, the patriarchs...
Jethro’s Legacy

Jethro’s Legacy

By Shelley Neese The 54 weekly Torah readings, or Parashat Hashavua, each get their own title. The titles are commonly derived from the first meaningful word or words in the text. Mostly, the titles translate to unrevealing phrases like “And he called,” “Elevate!” or...
The Holy Calendar

The Holy Calendar

By Shelley Neese This week’s Torah portion covers Deuteronomy 31:1 to 31:30. It is titled Vayeilech which means “and he went.” As the text opens, the people are about to enter into a period of warfare. To take possession of the land, they will first have to fight....
Intro to Parasha

Intro to Parasha

By Shelley Neese Jewish tradition holds that 2500 years ago, Ezra the scribe and Jewish elders created an annual reading schedule which divided the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, into 54 sections. The sections are called parasha, or portion. Following the...