Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

The Torah understands the skin affliction known as Tzara'at to be an indicator of a loss of integrity. The afflicted, known as the Metzora, must undergo a period of isolation and then ritual of reintegration into the community, so that further communal disintegration can be prevented.

27 Tazri'a | The Meaning of Forty | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

29 Akharei Mot | The First Yom Kippur | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

28 Metzora | Body as Temple | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Rabbi Jonathan tells the story of his mother's first cousin, one of the "The Nazi-Fighting Women of the Jewish Resistance." For more information: https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/schupper-hella-rufeisen https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/18/opinion/sunday/Jewish-women-Nazi-fighters.html

26 Shemini | What Happened to Nadav and Avihu? | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

25 Tzav | The Haftarah as Commentary and Critique | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

24 Vayikra | Leviticus as Literature | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

At the end of the Book of Exodus, Moses assembles the Mishkan, the dwelling place for the Divine Presence, that the Children of Israel have created. The Torah choice of words brings us right back to the beginning, Genesis, chapter 1, when God creates our world. We are meant to understand that, just as God made us a "house" to dwell in, so we, as God's partners in creation, must create a house in which the Divine Presence is welcome, in our homes, in our communities, and in our hearts.

The final act of the book of Exodus is the actual construction of the Mishkan, the dwelling place for the Divine Presence within the Israelite community. A narrative arc is completed:

Moses has descended once again from the mountain, face aglow, carrying the tablets with the restored covenant in his arms. God has forgiven the Children of Israel for their transgressions with the Golden Calf. They are finally ready to begin creating God’s dwelling place in the heart of their community.

In addition to being the raucous holiday of fun, Purim points us toward the consciousness of oneness that transcends all dualities....

We examine two topics in this week's portion. First, what parallels can we draw between the episode of the Golden Calf - a rebellion and its aftermath - with the storming of the U.S. Capitol this past January? Second, reflecting on the brilliant teaching of the late Rabbi Lord Sacks, what are the pros and cons of we Jews being a historically "stiff-necked" people?

34 Bamidbar | In the Wilderness | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

36 Beha'alotekha | Are We There Yet? | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

37 Shelakh | Healing the Crushed Spirit | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

35 Naso | Be a Channel for Blessings | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

40 Balak | Mah Tovu — How Good It Is | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

39 Hukat | Confronting Mortality | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

38 Korakh | Demagogue | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

41 Pinkhas | The Daughters of Tz’lofkhad Step Forward | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

42 Matot | Do Not Separate Yourself From the Community | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

45 Va'et'khanan | The Choosing People | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

43 Mas'ei | The Inner Journey |Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

44 Devarim | Finding Your Voice | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

47 Re'eih | Open Your Hand |Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

46 Eikev | Gratitude | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

49 Ki Teitzei Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

48 Shoftim | Justice, Justice | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

51 Nitzavim Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

50 Ki Tavo Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

52 Vayeilekh Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

54 Vezot Haberakhah Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

53 Ha'azinu Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

How does the Torah describe God? Not by doctrine or dogma, but by encounter. Not with systematic theology, but with stories. I find this approach refreshing. Stories do not demand agreement or adherence; they invite engagement.

20 Tetzaveh | תצוה Brothers’ Keepers | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Following the brilliant insights of Rabbi David Fohrman (alephbeta.org) we discover the profound significance of the cherubim that adorn and protect the Mishkan - the desert sanctuary in which God's presence dwells. We find that they guide us on a journey from our reality into the infinite reality of YHVH.

19 Terumah | תרומה Creating Holy Moments | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Our portion begins by legislating how one is to treat one's household slaves. These laws insist that the slave be treated with full humanity. But why does the Torah affirm slavery at all? We explore the ways in which the Torah was perhaps radical for its time, and reflect on our own anachronistic way of projecting our current social norms onto the distant past.

18 Mishpatim | משפטים YHVH, Protector of the Powerless | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Drawing on the teachings of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l, we explore the important distinction between "covenant" and "contract." Both the Jewish covenant (brit) and the American covenant require us to commit ourselves to a greater sense of belonging, and a shared sense of ideals.

17 Yitro | יתרו The Ten Utterances | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

16 Beshalakh | בשלח Spiritual Boot Camp | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

Our spiritual tradition understands the story of the descent into Egypt and the ascent to the Promised Land as both a physical/political and as a personal/spiritual journey. Today we address the spiritual truth in this tale that can guide us and give us faith and strength.

15 Bo | בא Martin Luther King Is My Rabbi | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

The Exodus is an archetypal myth, meaning that it describes an essential aspect of the human condition, and rings true on every level of human experience, be it political, or personal. Pharaoh is that aspect of a human being whose heart has been hardened to such a degree that their only goal and reality is to serve their own lust for power and control, even at the expense of everyone and everything around them. Rabbi Jonathan shows how Donald Trump is currently fulfilling the archetype of the hardened heart, and we all are suffering the debilitating and destructive results of his leadership.

14 Va’eira | וארא I Will Be With You | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

13 Shemot | שמות The Long Walk to Freedom | Jonathan Kligler by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler

After Jacob is buried, Joseph's brother's fabricate a charge that their father supposedly wanted to Joseph to hear, telling him not to bear a grudge against his brothers. Joseph bears no grudge, having forgiven his kin a long time ago. The commentaries do not condemn the brothers for their lie, but rather justify it...this leads us on an excursion into Judaism's teachings about when it is acceptable to bend the truth in order to preserve harmony and peaceful relations.

In Jewish practice, when remembering a loved one, especially a parent, it is customary to honor their memory by teaching some Torah in their name. I wish to remember my father by sharing the story of the mysterious way our lives and family history intersected and merged with the Torah reading of that week.