Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 30 May 2012 /
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Hi, Jacob finally encounters his brother Esau. (Genesis, 33) In Jewish tradition, Esau represents the power of the sword. As opposed to the spiritual values of Jacob. In fact, Jacob had run away because Esau was planning on killing him. … What happens when they meet? “ He hugged Jacob… kissed him. They wept”. (33:4) […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 07 May 2012 /
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Hi, Jacob has gone through quiet an ordeal, but now has a family. He’s about to head back to the Land of Israel. … “Jacob went on his way, and angels of G-d encountered him.” (Genesis, 32:2) Here’s a word about angels. Don’t get your hopes up. I don’t know that much about them myself! […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 07 May 2012 /
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Hi, I can’t help it. I love weddings! … The veiling of the bride. Called the “Bedeken”. At a traditional Jewish wedding it takes place before the actual ceremony. The groom is escorted to the bride and veils her. It’s an ancient tradition that goes back over 3500 years! To the marriage of Rebecca and […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 05 May 2012 /
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Hi, Hope you’re having a great day! The Jewish People have been around for a very long time. And when we do things like Shabbat or Jewish holidays? We should feel part of a chain going back to Mount Sinai. Over 3300 years ago. And we should be inspired! … But there’s is a Jewish […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 02 May 2012 /
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Hi, Hope you had a great Passover. It’s great to be back! I thought I would discuss something that may remind us of the holiday. Food! … Noah survives the great flood. The work of rebuilding the world begins. And G-d tells Noah some very fundamental moral and spiritual ideas. But among them, we find […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 02 May 2012 /
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Hope you’re having a great day! Adam and Eve are sent out of the Garden of Eden. And we’re about to finish the story too. But before we do, there’s one very important point. One very Jewish point. You may have heard of the concept of “Original Sin.” That as a result of the sin […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 02 May 2012 /
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Hope you’re having a great day. Here’s something that may get lost in the “Adam and Eve” story. … Clothing. Not something we get very philosophical about. When we get dressed in the morning, it’s much too early for deep thinking! But in Judaism, clothing is very significant. Has a spiritual purpose. How do we […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 02 May 2012 /
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Hope you’re having a great day. The Torah is leading up to the creation of Eve. The first woman. Adam’s wife. It seems to be building up to it. To make Adam really want a wife. As we saw yesterday, G-d said, “It’s not good for man to be alone.” He needs a partner. … […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 02 May 2012 /
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Hope you’re having a great day! Here’s a little quiz. What’s the first thing G-d says to Adam, the first human being? And no peeking! Many people would say, “I know that one!” “Don’t eat the apple.” (Actually, since Jewish tradition does not identify the forbidden fruit as an apple, we should probably say that […]
Posted by rabbi.deutsch on 02 May 2012 /
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Hope you’re having a great day! Adam is placed in the Garden of Eden. Spiritual Paradise. We’re told that G-d planted trees in the garden. “Trees that were pleasant to look at and good to eat.” (Genesis: 2:9) It’s interesting. Trees that produce fruit? That makes sense. Even in the Garden of Eden you need […]