Monthly Archives: May 2012

Blogging the Torah: Parashat Naso, Where does the Journey Begin?

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Gail F. Nalven

Where does the journey begin?  Where will it go?                                           -Debbie Friedman For me, my journey begins with this week’s parasha, Naso.  Or at least, a major part of it does. I digress. The Haftarah describes the very beginning of … Continue reading →

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A First Without a Last, for the Second Time

Posted on May 21, 2012 by Gail F. Nalven

As we head into the second Hava Nashira Songleaders Conference without Debbie Friedman, I share a piece written last year at this time.  Although last year’s program was incredibly healing, her loss is still felt among us Hava Nashir-ites.  And … Continue reading →

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Blogging the Torah: Parashat Behar-Bechukkotai, How Can I Observe Sh’mittah when I Live in a Four-Story Walk-Up?

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Gail F. Nalven

One of my favorite books of midrashim is the children’s book, Does God Have a Big Toe? In the first story, “Partners,” Rabbi Marc Gellman describes a conversation between God and the angels.  The angels think that the universe is … Continue reading →

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Blogging the Torah: Parashat Emor, No One Acts Alone

Posted on May 10, 2012 by Gail F. Nalven

I am confused.  I am probably more confused than I ever have been in reading the Torah.  In this week’s Torah portion, Emor, after a lengthy discussion of the holiday cycle, a strange little story is tagged on. We learn … Continue reading →

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LET THE MIDRASH BE OUR GUIDE!

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Gail F. Nalven

Why do we do this? The midrash says… I have often heard these lines and even said them myself.  We use the body of literature known as the midrash to interpret the Torah, the law, and our rituals so that … Continue reading →

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In Search of Sparks

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Gail F. Nalven

Ask a little kid how old they are and you will very rarely get a round number.  Instead of 4 years old they might say, “I’m four and three quarters” or “I’m going to be five in thirty-four days.” Kids … Continue reading →

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