Going through the potty-training process with two kids has taught me a lot about positive and negative reactions as parents. One of the biggest lessons for us has been the need to show some emotional self-control in order to keep up the positive reinforcement. Our parshah this week reminds us that emotion is a two-way street.
We’re often told just to adapt and roll with the changes, but transitions take more than that. I’m fascinated by the ways in which we prepare for major events in our lives. This week’s portion, Parshat Tzav, contains one such example. Reading this section of Torah reminds us that it’s ok to treat big transitions with all the pomp and preparation they need. That’s how we acknowledge the change.
Recording from Shabbat Services, March 15, 2019 D’var from Friday, March 15, 2019 – Rabbi Eve Posen *If you would like to download the recording and listen later, right click on the link then click “Save as” and it will save onto your computer for later listening. Recorded and edited by Ed Kraus. Click here for an archive of past recordings
I just returned from D.C. for the culmination of my advocacy fellowship, and this week's parshah really spoke to my apprehensiveness about this adventure. In essence, we learn that we are responsible not only for the things we do wrong, but for the things we should have done, but neglected. Our Torah reminds us that when we have the ability to make a change in ourselves or the world, we must take that action.
Recording from Shabbat Services, March 9, 2019 D’var from Saturday, March 9, 2019 – Rabbi Eve Posen *If you would like to download the recording and listen later, right click on the link then click “Save as” and it will save onto your computer for later listening. Recorded and edited by Ed Kraus. Click here for an archive of past recordings
Beginning and endings. Sometimes they mirror each other and all seven days are hectic; other times the week begins in a roar and ends with peacefulness. As we end the Book of Exodus, the Israelite nation is strong, vibrant, and prepared. There will be chaos ahead, but under the guidance of God and leadership from the community, they will go from strength to strength.
While undergoing a house remodel a year ago, I found myself enthralled with the way things were taken apart and put back together. As we read Parshat Vayakhel, we are reminded that just as there are so many little bits and pieces that go into creating a structure, there are so many different individual people that go into creating the Jewish people.
