Shabbat Shalom from Rabbi Lori Koffman

This week’s Torah portion contains one?of the most essential messages of the whole Torah:

“Surely this instruction which I enjoin upon you this day is not too baffling for you, nor is it beyond reach. It is not in the heavens that you should say, ‘Who among us can go up to the heavens and get it for us and impart it to us that we may observe it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say,?“Who among us can cross to the other side of the sea and get it for us and impart it to us, that we?may observe it?’ No, the thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart, to observe it.” (Deuteronomy 30: 11–14)

In other words, the Torah and all it stands for is meant to be accessible to every one of us. It is not meant for priests and scholars, it’s not difficult, esoteric, or reserved for a particular elite. Rather, it’s for you?and me,?for all of?us, no matter how great or little our knowledge and learning may be. It is the responsibility of all of us. We all have a contribution to play in understanding it.?

The Talmud teaches that we should “set apart fixed times for Torah study.” (Eruvin 55a)

Whether you've studied Torah your whole life or are just dipping your toe into Jewish learning, our tradition values the insight and knowledge you bring. In fact, in all my years of teaching, I have found that some of the freshest insights have come from those with the least prior knowledge. And it is best understood in community, where we can all listen to, and learn from each other.

We have a wonderful slate of Adult Education offerings this fall to choose from – everything from the History of the Holocaust and the History of Israel to the basics of Genesis. Please explore all our classes on the Adult Engagement section of our website and join us. You will be amazed at what you discover! ?

Shabbat Shalom,?

Rabbi Lori Koffman