In last week’s Torah portion (Ki Tisa), the Israelites gathered against Aaron (Moses’ brother) to demand that he led them to make the Golden Calf as an idol to represent God as they were unsure when or if Moses would be returning.

This week’s Parashah, Ki Tisa, is chock full of good stuff. It includes directions for the first census, God’s additional instructions for building the tabernacle, rules for keeping Shabbat, and the golden calf episode and its aftermath.

Even though parashah T’tzaveh is not read until this month, I find myself writing today on December 31, 2020. Like so many of us, I’m reflecting on this past year and moving towards the light that is 2021.

In Parashah T'rumah, God instructs, “And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” Where does God dwell today, and how do we apply the concept of sanctuary to our lives during these uncertain times?

God was very detailed in instructing the

Mishpatim is filled with detailed rules and regulations. It would be naïve to read the interpersonal laws about the treatment of animals, slaves, and property and how to offer kindness to strangers as mundane. This is far from true.

Oh my, Parashah Yitro packs a wallop! There is much to consider. The Reform Judaism website summary for Yitro states:

• Yitro brings his daughter Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to his son-in-law, Moses. (18:1-12)
• Moses follows Yitro's advice

Recently, I came upon my Bat Mitzvah invitation—printed on its 1970s-era, bright yellow, daisy-covered stationery.

In our Torah portion this Shabbat, Parashah Bo, we encounter the final plagues God brings upon Pharaoh. Each successive plague becomes more severe and debilitating. And as the plagues become worse, Pharaoh becomes more stubborn.

In this Torah portion, we read about Moses and his dilemma of bringing his people out of Egypt and bondage. He cannot persuade his people to accept G-d’s wishes. He wonders, if his people rebuff him, how will he convince Pharaoh to believe him?