Torah and Talmud Learning

Torah and Talmud

Did you know that I'm an only child? Naturally, I played catch and softball with my dad (z'l) in the alley. As a child, I loved to follow my dad's finger in the Hebrew prayerbook for the High Holy Days. From him, I learned the joys of attending Shabbat services and praying. 

When COVID-19 began, I was fairly worried, having an upper respiratory issue and being a high risk person. Luckily, my Rabbi expanded his Lunch and Learn Adult Ed series to a Daily Zoom session, and I am able to listen while I work. 

It helps me to keep connected to my Jewish community, and to study Torah and Talmud. I am a beginner and he guides us through the Torah portions pointing out Jewish sages' commentaries from Maimonides, Rashi, and the Kli Yakar. He brings it to life telling us "he talks and argues with these sages to learn more about the Torah and Life." 

He teases me, saying that I would make a great yeshiva boker, and I laugh and tell him, that I'm the wrong gender. 

Through the blessings of technology, I'm able to visit shuls in Hyde Park, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Albuquerque, and Israel. I listen to rabbis from different denominations, and I'm a top fan of aish.com, with rabbis who also bring the parshah to life. 

I'm still a beginner, but I'm going to share meaningful lessons with you on a monthly basis. 

Lekh Lekha

Lekh Lekha is my birthday parsha. However, when I had my Adult Bat Mitzvah, I chose the Haftorah Behalotkha, about restoring the Temple. It's said twice a year, in June and for Shabbat Hanukkah. 

It's the story of Abraham & Sarah, the first Jews by Choice believing in monotheism, and rejecting pagan idol worship. G-d tells Abraham to Lekh Lekha, "go forth from your land to a place I'll tell you and there I'll make you a great nation." 

Lekh - to walk, meaning start in one place and end in another place. Rashi brings the point that it's to go for your own good, to leave behind preconceived notions and your upbringing. 

• Daily lekh lecha is a challenge to try to be better and make a difference in our world.
• We’re all different, each of us has own mission to do in this world. 
• Why am I here? What am I good at? What am I not good at?  
• Our missions are tailor made using negative character traits and positive gifts we have. 
• Any time you face a challenge; it’s part of your mission, especially in spiritual areas.
• Challenges are part of life in Judaism and designed for each individual. 

The Hasidic commentator the Mei Hashilo’ah translated the verse as “Go to you,” elaborating, “[go] to your essential self. Nothing out there in the world is properly alive. The only place you’ll find real life is inside you.” Avram had become restless and begun searching for deeper meaning, and God commanded him to look inward for clarity. (JTS: Naomi Kalish)

I too, am search for deeper meaning and connection. I'm grateful to be finding it in Torah. 

Source: Lessons for Ladies from the weekly Torah portion in St. Louis, MO