Beth El of Manhattan, Two-Testament Synagogue

In the Parasha "Lech Lecha" we have what is considered by many Scripture scholars "the" core text on God-following in the entire Bible. The Hebrew is an idiom for "get going" - but it literally means "go to yourself." Your true self. The reason you are on the planet. "Home." Your genuine "spot" in the center of God's will and the reasons for which He brought you into being. We continue to explore this idea of "Home" we started with last Shabbat.

In our era, it is tempting to retreat from the storm-tossed world into a faith-life that is meditative, contemplative, and sealed off. Is this essentially monastic life God's goal for us in regard to "holiness?" Or – is the goal of contemplation the development of right views leading to the kind of rightful agency in the real world we call "doing justice?" We explore from the Haftarah this week affixed to the Torah portion, "Kedoshim.".

An examination of specific examples of denominational theologies having produced inaccurate translations: and a recounting of my lunch with the late Dr, Alan F. Segal, PhD, professor of religion at Columbia University in New York City, in which he and I explored a"tortured text" – a skewed translation of Mark 7:19 in regard to kosher laws affecting Jewish perpetuity.

Heaven-commanded all Israel - even orphans and widows in our midst - to be "altogether joyful" during the holiday of Sukkot. Yet, certain realities of human life in the real world affect how to live in a healthy way into this commandment. It is worth thinking through carefully - and so we do, as best we can. May it all be for shalom! Hag Sameakh!