Parashat Eikev

               Shabbat Table Talk

Parashat Eikev,  Erev Shabbat 11 August, 2017

    Week of 6-12 August, 2017

     Torah portion:   Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25     Haftarah: Isaiah 49:14-51:3

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Moses’ Second discourse contains the reminder that God has chosen this nation for a special purpose… to live as a holy people according to God’s commandments. (Frankel, p. 258). Re-reading Eikev several phrases caught my attention, phrases that encourage us today to live as a holy people whether we are Jewish or live according to another tradition. Today the description of “chosen people” might also be read as “who brings us near to God’s service” (Frankel, p.260)

 

-7:13 “favor you and bless you”, literally “love you and bless you”. A.J. Heshel says, only a blessing that flows from love deserves to be called a blessing. (Lieber, p. 1037)

 

-8:7 “A Good Land..”  The phrase is a repetition, like a refrain, and its descriptions of fruits and blessings easily jump into our memory and never cease to create a feeling of wonder and promise. The people, the land and God are all related to each other. (Klein, p.49)

-8:10 “When you have eaten your fill”, Shlomo of Karlin says, when one eats in a spirit of gratitude, whether there is much food or little, the meal is satisfying! (Lieber,  p.1041)

 

-9:7 “remember, never forget”…we are not so virtuous, we are prone to defiance of God! We note again, when there is a repetition, it is important to pay attention. Humility is a necessary quality, (Plaut, p.1226).

 

-9:12 “the people you (Moshe) brought out of Egypt”, God shows irritation to our defiance.

 

-9:26 “Your very own (G-d’s) people”, Moshe, as mediator… appeals to G-d (Lieber, p. 1046)

 

-10:8 “to bless in His name”, i.e. that is to pronounce the priestly benediction

 

-10:19 “you too must befriend the stranger”, the ‘stranger’ is a word describing the resident alien in the land.  “Befriend” or the literal translation “love” sets a high standard.  In today’s world with many refugees and individuals searching for a better life away from their native country, this call to me seems the challenge of the times. The fact that “love the stranger” is used 36 times in the Scripture probably reflects that this is a difficult thing to do and that therefore we need reminding! (Plaut, p. 1244). The essay on the “The Good Land” concludes with this “Thus, the esteem for and love of the stranger is a reflection of God. In the alien, we are first and foremost bidden to discover the presence of the redeeming G-d and thereby to reinforce our bonds with all humankind.” (Plaut p.1245)

 

-11:13 “Loving the Lord your G-d and serving Him with all your heart and soul”. This passage is part of the prayers recited after the Sh’ma Ysrael in prayer services. The connection of loving the Lord and obeying all the commandments leading to the rains that will water the land and its crops is stated here in the plural (unlike Deut.6:5-9 where the same phrase is stated in singular). Lieber in footnotes (p.1052) writes “that righteous communities will tend to thrive and bestow blessings on all their members, the good and the less good alike.”

 

For Reflection and Discussion:  Love or befriend; righteousness and blessing; gratitude and humility; your people or My people; Consider how a set of such phrases interact and affect your own lives.

 

Bibliography:  Frankel, Ellen, The Five Books of Miriam, San Francisco 1996; Klein, Joyce, The Sahbbat Book, Israel, 1997; Lieber, Etz Hayim, Torah and Commentary, New York, 2001; Plaut, The Torah, A Modern Commentary (New York, 2006)  

 

This week’s teaching commentary was prepared by

MariAnn (Marjan) Saenen, B.A. M.A. Michigan State University,

Lay Minister, Diocese of Saginaw, MI

Bat Kol alum 1999-2000; 2002, 2010, 2015, 2016

marjansaenen@hotmail.com

[Copyright © 2017]

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PLEASE NOTE: The weekly Parashah commentaries represent the research and creative thought of their authors, and are meant to stimulate deeper thinking about the meaning of the Scriptures. While they draw upon the study methods and sources employed by the Bat Kol Institute, the views and conclusions expressed in these commentaries are solely those of their authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Bat Kol. The commentaries, along with all materials published on the Bat Kol website, are copyrighted by the writers, and are made available for personal and group study, and local church purposes. Permission needed for other purposes. Questions, comments and feedback are always welcome.

…………………………………………………………………

Bat Kol Institute for Jewish Studies, Jerusalem

1983-2017

“Christians Studying the Bible within its Jewish milieu, using Jewish Sources.”

Website: www.batkol.info      Parashat Admin: gill@batkol.info

Message from Maureena to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of The Ten Points of Seelisberg

Dear Bat Kol Alums and Friends,

 

Sabbath, 5 August 2017, is the 70th anniversary of The Ten Points of Seelisberg, issued by the International Council of Christians and Jews, 5 August, 1947:

 

https://www.bc.edu/content/dam/files/research_sites/cjl/texts/cjrelations/resources/documents/interreligious/Seelisberg.htm

 

I would like to add two points to these ten. My reason for doing so is that it is easy to denounce anti-Semitism in general terms as is common nowadays. We need to get specific. Hence:

 

11. Learn to read the New Testament in a manner that expresses our Christian relationship to Judaism as part of our own image (Jesus was a Jew and remained a faithful Jew).

 

12. Remember that the State of Israel is of basic importance to Jewish identity and that this relevance must be acknowledged by us Christians (this does not prevent us from disagreeing with certain decisions made by the government).  

 

Bat Kol will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Ten Points of Seelisberg in Jerusalem during the week of Oct 11-17, 2017.

 

May we hear the Voice of God in the celebration of this anniversary.

 

Maureena

 

Prof. Maureena Fritz, NDS. B.A., B.Ed. M.A., Ph.D. 

Academic & Administrative Director

Bat Kol Institute for Jewish Studies

Jerusalem, Israel

e-mail: maureena@batkol.info

 

 

The 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time

The 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time – 6th of August, 2017

Lectionary readings: Dn7:9-10, 13-1,  Ps.97, 2Pt 1:16-19, Mt 17:1-9

The Transfiguration

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The unique experience we read of in today’s gospel is one that leaves the characters in a very overwhelming state of mind. Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them to a high mountain and was transfigured before them. (Mt. 17:2) It was a scene in the gospels that was never to be repeated again and it was these three disciples only, who witnessed it. Notice the number of times we are reminded of this – Moses and Elijah appeared to them (17:3), the voice they heard asking was for them to listen to the beloved Son (17:5) and Jesus draws near to them so that they will not be afraid. (17:7)   Finally, it is these disciples who are alone with Jesus after this powerful moment. (17:8)

 

“The account of the transfiguration also shows unique Matthean features, “That Jesus’ face shone like the sun (17:2) echoes the description of Moses in Exodus (34:29) and heightens the parallelism to the great theophany on Sinai.” (Brown 190)   What conversation would Jesus have had with Moses and Elijah? Would it have been about his own exodus death in Jerusalem?  What the disciples had witnessed was so profound that they could not articulate it. In actual fact, they had been invited to an ‘Epiphany,’ a manifestation of the divine, and understandably they were both moved and frightened.

 

From the book of Daniel, we read of another manifestation, “of one like a human being, (Son of Man) who is enthroned as High Priest and given everlasting dominion, glory and kingship over all nations.” (Dn 7:14) The term, ’Son of Man’ is used only by Jesus, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mt.20:28) and “The Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” (Mk. 2:28)  This term is an affirmation of the humanity and servanthood of Jesus.

 

Why did the disciples need such an experience? The transfiguration we are told occurred six days after they were at Caesarea Philippi where Jesus had invited his disciples to tell him who they thought he was and his explanation that as God’s anointed one, he was to suffer. Jesus now brought his core disciples to a new revelation of him, one that would counterbalance any dread they might have had, given what he had taught them about his fate. In the time they spent with Jesus, the disciples had listened to his teaching and saw his power at work and now with this powerful encounter, they heard the astonishing words, “This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (17:5)

 

Years later Peter reminded his audience that truly they had witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus, “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty…we heard this voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. (2 Pt 1:16-18)  

 

It was only after the resurrection that the disciples began to put it all together and saw that suffering was the path to glory. Having experienced that rare moment of seeing Jesus transfigured, they received the strength and encouragement they needed for what was to come. They now had the assurance that Jesus truly was sent by the Father and that Jesus was indeed the glorified Son of God.  “Both glory and suffering are affirmed by God’s voice that identifies him as Son and Chosen One (Suffering Servant).”  (Brown 243)

 

Jesus’ identity, his passion, death and resurrection are the central theme that flows  through the two revelations – that of Caesarea Philippi and on the mountain. With such an enlightening and inspiring encounter, these favored disciples would never entirely lose the experience which changed them.

 

For Reflection and Discussion: [1] Are we willing to commit ourselves as readily when Jesus speaks of suffering? [2] What have you experienced that has left an unforgettable mark on you?  

 

Bibliography: Raymond E. Brown, An Introduction to the New Testament,(Doubleday 1997) W.R.Farmer, The International Biblical Commentary, (Collegeville,1998)

 

This week’s teaching commentary was prepared by

Rita Kammermayer, nds, BA, B.Ed, Masters of Pastoral Studies, Jerusalem, Israel

Bat Kol alumni 2001

 ritakammermayer@netscape.net

[Copyright © 2017]

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PLEASE NOTE: The weekly Gospel commentaries represent the research and creative thought of their authors, and are meant to stimulate deeper thinking about the meaning of the Sunday Scriptures. While they draw upon the study methods and sources employed by the Bat Kol Institute, the views and conclusions expressed in these commentaries are solely those of their authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Bat Kol.  Questions, comments and feedback are always welcome.

 ..………………………………………………………………

 ~~1983-2017~~

Bat Kol Institute for Jewish Studies, Jerusalem

“Christians Studying the Bible within its Jewish milieu, using Jewish Sources.”

Website: www.batkol.info;   gill@batkol.info

Parasaht Ve’ Etchanan

Shabbat Table Talk

Parashat Ve’ Etchanan—Erev Shabbat August 04, 2017

20 July – 05 of August

Torah portion: Deuteronomy 3:23 – 7:11   Haftarah:  Isaiah 40:1 – 40:26

 

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In Parashah Va-etchanan Moses addresses the nation and gives a summary of the history of their special relationship with God. This relationship is defined by the belief that there is but ONE God, Creator of all and that He has given them Torah as the mechanism that binds the people to Him. This Torah provides the nation with the information they require to be a holy nation. Torah is to be studied diligently and transmitted faithfully to successive generations so that they will learn to revere the Lord and to ensure their continued presence in the Promised Land.

 

God has chosen the Israelites to be His treasured people. He has given laws and rules to live by that will set them apart and distinguish them from all other nations. They will be regarded as a wise and discerning people if they follow them faithfully; a nation whose G-d lives in their midst. “For what great nation is there that has a god so close at hand as is the Lord our God whenever we call upon Him? Or what great nation has laws and rules as perfect as all this Teaching I set before you today” (Deut. 4:7-8)

 

Remembrance is a vital key for the Israelites to maintain their intimate relationship with God; He has been their protector, defender and deliverer. They are to recount that journey and include how God delivered them from slavery in Egypt, their encounter with Him at the mountain with the Voice, smoke and fire, the 10 Commandments, and their journey through the desert with the cloud by day and fire by night.

 

Their failures are also important to recount, it was Moses’ failure to credit the Lord with the water from the rock that prevented him from entering the Promised Land; this teaches no one is exempt from the law, especially a leader. “Because you did not trust me enough to affirm My sanctity in the sight of the Israelite people, therefore you shall not lead this congregation into the land that I have given them”. (Num. 20:12)

 

The Israelites are reminded numerous times to recall their slavery in Egypt. What is the significance of their “remembering” such a bleak time in their history? Why is it so important? Could it be that their long period of suffering in Egypt, where they experienced every kind hardship, servitude, enslavement, and injustice has developed within them the characteristics of understanding, compassion, and mercy; attributes ascribed to God. After all that suffering they had not forgotten WHO it was who could save them – their ONE true God. It was God they cried out to.

 

They are to teach future generations in such a manner that each person internalizes the laws and rules as well as their history and makes them a part of their very essence. “He who teaches his grandson is as if he received his teaching from Mount Sinai.” Kiddushin, 30. “If thou hast learned much Torah do not hold fast to it thyself but teach it to others, for thereunto wast thou created.” (Avot 2:8 according to the explanation of Rabbi A. Hayman)

 

For Reflection and Discussion: [1] What has been the result of periods of suffering in our development? [2] Have they effected positive changes in empathy and understanding?

 

Bibliography:  JTS Hebrew-English Tanakh; Newman, (selected and edited by) in collaboration with Samuel Spitz, The Talmudic Anthology – Tales and Teachings of the Rabbis, (New York, 1962); Plaut, The Torah: A Modern Commentary, (New York, 1981); “Covenant and Conversation Parashat V’etchanan” Lord Jonathan  Sacks,  rabbisacks.org

 

This week’s teaching commentary was prepared by

Gwen-Ellen Dankewich, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada  Bat Kol alumna, 2008

e-mail address: gdankewich@gmail.com

[Copyright © 2017]

……………………………………………………………………

PLEASE NOTE: The weekly Parashah commentaries represent the research and creative thought of their authors, and are meant to stimulate deeper thinking about the meaning of the Scriptures. While they draw upon the study methods and sources employed by the Bat Kol Institute, the views and conclusions expressed in these commentaries are solely those of their authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Bat Kol.   The commentaries, along with all materials published on the Bat Kol website, are copyrighted by the writers, and are made available for personal and group study, and local church purposes. Permission needed for other purposes.  Questions, comments and feedback are always welcome.

……………………………………………………………………

 

~~1983-2017~~

Bat Kol Institute for Jewish Studies, Jerusalem

“Christians Studying the Bible within its Jewish milieu, using Jewish Sources.”

   Website: www.batkol.info;  Parashat Admin: gill@batkol.info