Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

As we reach the concluding chapters of Leviticus, we study the commandment of Shmita - that we must allow the land have a Sabbath every seventh year. Once again exploring the insights of Ellen Davis' "Scripture, Culture and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible" we discover the deep structure of the Biblical narrative. We begin to understand how our ancestors saw themselves as a part of the earth, not separate from it, but assigned by the Creator special responsibilities so that we might live in sustainable harmony with all of creation.

In her superb Torah commentary "Mending the Heart, Tending the Soul: Directions to the Garden Within, " Gail Albert describes the Book of Leviticus as instructions to answer the question "How do we behave when YHVH is living next door?" Emor focuses on the special requirements of the ancient priestly caste. Yet the Torah also insists that all of us are to become a "a holy people, nation of priests," (Exodus 19:6) so somehow the priestly requirements pertain to us all. How do we become a "nation of priests"? The answer of course requires us to behave ethically, but also to expand our consciousness so that we perceive the interconnectedness of all reality.

Utilizing the insights of Ellen Davis' fine study, "Scripture, Culture, and Agriculture: An Agrarian Reading of the Bible" (Cambridge University Press, 2009) we explore the teachings of this portion from an embodied, holistic perspective. God charges us to become a holy people - what does that mean? How do we map "holiness" onto our bodies, our communities, our sanctuaries, and our environment in a way that connects them all and keeps us conscious of the connections? Reading in this way opens new understandings of the Torah's deep wisdom.

The Life And Teachings Of Kalonymus Kalman Shapira by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Passover Teachings With Rabbi Jonathan | Part II by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Passover Teachings | Part 1 by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

This class falls on Purim day, and this year we are witnessing an outburst of Haman-like evil as Russia pummels its neighbor Ukraine, attempting to destroy it. I offer a review and an overview of the history of this region, including Jewish history, in order that we may better understand the roots of the current conflict.

On this Shabbat, in preparation for Purim, in addition to the regular reading from Torah we always chant a passage form Deuteronomy that instructs us to blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. In Jewish tradition, Amalek represents absolute evil - human behavior unhinged for morality or empathy. We explore this concept in our class today.

"Pekudei" means "accounting." Moses gives a detailed accounting of every penny spent on the construction of the Mishkan. Why does the Torah spend time on these boring details? Our tradition teaches that this highlights yet another of Moses' important leadership qualities. A society based on mutual trust could only be created if its leaders were trustworthy and accountable.

What attributes must we manifest in order to fulfill our potential as beings "created in the image of God"? This week's Torah portion offers insight into that puzzle. The master craftsman who creates the Mishkan is named Bezalel, which means "In the image of God." Bezalel represents the potential within every person.

Using a brilliant teaching from the Zohar, we explore the deeper meaning of the Golden Calf, and why this is the signal example in the Torah of worshipping idols.

Spiritual Reflections after the Ice Storm: a Conversation by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

19 Terumah | Insights From The Weekly Torah Portion With Rabbi Jonathan by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

18 Mishpatim | Insights From The Weekly Torah Portion With Rabbi Jonathan by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

12 Vay'khi | Insights from the Weekly Torah Portion with Rabbi Jonathan by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler