Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 07 May 2012 /
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Hope you had a great holiday. …Sarah. Abraham’s wife. The first matriarch of the Jewish People. She passes away in the city of Hebron. (Genesis, 23) … Sometimes we say about someone, “They will live on…” And special people are remembered for generations. But then there’s someone like Sarah. Who achieves what very few others […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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Here’s one last thought about the Akeida. A small detail that can be overlooked. Abraham passed this most difficult test. In Jewish tradition it’s the ultimate spiritual act. Showing that he follows G-d no matter what. And he’s told “… Now I know that you are a G-d fearing man. Since you have done this thing, […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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Hi, We’re about to start one of the most fundamental and challenging stories in the Torah. Abraham is tested. Challenged. The story of the Akedah. The “Binding of Isaac”. (Genesis, 22) Abraham is told to bring his son Isaac as an offering to G-d. Before we get to the story, a few words about challenges […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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Hi, Mazal Tov! It’s a boy! Isaac is born to Abraham and Sarah. (Genesis, 21:1) Isaac represents the Jewish future. … Earlier, Abraham had married Sarah’s servant Hagar. And they had a son, Ishmael. But G-d had told Abraham that Sarah will have a child. And that the Jewish People will come from Isaac. … […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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Hi, Here’s a follow up to yesterday’s Torah Minute. And it takes place in Vienna in 1927. Sigmund Freud writes the following. “Civilization has little to fear from educated people… In them replacement of religious motives for civilized behavior, by other, secular motives, would proceed unobtrusively.” Not quiet what the Rabbi said in Berlin! Picture […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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Hi, Sorry about the suspense! What’s the end of the Lot and Sodom story? We left off with Lot’s home being surrounded by the “people of Sodom.” … Then G-d intervenes. The people are struck with a form of blindness. And they leave. (Genesis, 19:11-16) … It turns out, that these guests were really angels, […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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Hi, There’s one more story about Lot. And unfortunately, it’s on my mind today. We had seen that Lot was hosting two guests. The “people of Sodom” surrounded his home in order to sexually assault them. Lot’s response? Shocking! He went out and pleaded with them. (Genesis; 4-8) “I beg you… do not act wickedly. […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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I have to share this story with you! It’s a follow up to the last few “Torah Minutes.” … There are quite a few CTN participants who have gotten much more involved in Jewish tradition and observance than the way they were raised. And I always love meeting their parents – many of whom have […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 06 May 2012 /
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Hi, Hope you’re having a great day1 The city of Sodom. A name that goes down in infamy. The people had become morally corrupt. And G-d tells Abraham that He will destroy them. (Genesis; 18:17) … Abraham shows his true greatness. How does he respond to the news? To the destruction of a society that […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 05 May 2012 /
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Hi, Hope you’re having a great day! As we saw yesterday, Abraham was given a promise. He’ll become a great nation that will change the world. G-d even promises the Land of Israel to Abraham’s children. Sounds like a great plan! There’s only one problem. Abraham and Sarah are old. And how many children do […]