Jewish Texts
The Times Are A-Changing
In his final poetic speech to the Israelites, Moses encourages them to understand the potential for change in every generation.
Ritual Reinforcement
Through rituals, blessings, and warnings the Children of Israel strengthen their connections to history, land, and God.
The Worst Curse Is To Lose All Control
Among the curses for those who break the covenant is the inability to provide for themselves.
Quality Leaders
Moses and Joshua possessed leadership characteristics that we continue to look for in our leaders today.
If Only It Weren’t So Violent
The commandments to destroy the seven Canaanite nations are perhaps best understood as a later generation's struggle with idolatry.
Strength In Numbers
The commandment to gather every seven years for a communal Torah reading reinforces the spirit of unity and commitment among the people.
Remember, Don’t Forget!
The many commandments in Judaism relating to remembering both positive and negative experiences motivate us to work towards redemption.
Pursuing Justice For All
True justice balances the needs of a whole group, rather than just the individual.
Balance Of Power
The Torah takes care to limit the power of both the kingship and the priesthood, the formal institutions of leadership and governance in ancient Israel.
Seeing Is Believing
Parashat Re'eh calls our attention to our ability to choose the directions of our lives.
All-Inclusive Covenant
Moses tells the Children of Israel that the covenant includes all of them, including the pious and faithful as well as the rebellious and confused.
What To Do With Wayward Children?
Tough love from the Torah, and the rabbis' attempts to mitigate it.