"A river flows from Eden to water the garden" (Gen. 2:10).
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Parashat Emor 5770
In tandem with Leviticus's Parashat Emor which discusses the Biblical Festival Calendar, here are a few thoughts in vlog form about three dimensions of Jewish Calendar Observances:
1. Agricultural
2. Mythical/Historical
3. Ethical
Which dimension(s) speak most to the way in which YOU connect to the Jewish Holidays?
Please enjoy the new video features that I am introducing this week.
Second, you speak of an ethical vector and write spiritual.
Third, there is a missing 4th dimension. -----------------------------------------------
Despite my addiction to the sustenance that comes through study, I must confess that there is a 4th dimension I enjoy traversing with regard to Jewish holidays...and, that would be the culinary vector. Interestingly, my 4th dimensional engagement tends to manifest itself in distinctly 3-dimensional ways... :) I am sure there is a mathematical explanation.
But, of the three dimensions you describe, I must say that the 3rd, ethical/spiritual dimension resonates most today.
Childhood memories of Midwestern wheat and alfalfa fields attempt to draw me along the agricultural vector; but, Scarsdale seems just too far removed...perhaps until our power goes out for several days.
The historical/mythical dimension is often that of a surface reading of Torah. It is what is most commonly taught in our religious education as kids.
But, for me, the ethical dimension resonates most. It is a valued byproduct of our weekly Torah study.
David, your comments are really beautiful. Thank you!
When I lead our study this week I will give special attention the term "sacrifice," something I feel is key to the ethical dimension Rabbi Blake highlights in this parashat. In biblical times sacrifices were something given as an obligation or of free will (Rashi commenting on 22:18). Nowadays, sacrifice is relates to anything from baseball to business/trade/goods, time, acts of war, and many other things NOT relating to killing animals to propitiate God. Let's think about how this term has evolved over time as we study.
Sorry for a few typos there. I meant to say "I will give special attention to..." in line 1 and take out that "is" in the 3rd sentence. Apologies for any confusion--it's late! Bob
First, I like the musical bookends.
ReplyDeleteSecond, you speak of an ethical vector and write spiritual.
Third, there is a missing 4th dimension.
-----------------------------------------------
Despite my addiction to the sustenance that comes through study, I must confess that there is a 4th dimension I enjoy traversing with regard to Jewish holidays...and, that would be the culinary vector. Interestingly, my 4th dimensional engagement tends to manifest itself in distinctly 3-dimensional ways... :) I am sure there is a mathematical explanation.
But, of the three dimensions you describe, I must say that the 3rd, ethical/spiritual dimension resonates most today.
Childhood memories of Midwestern wheat and alfalfa fields attempt to draw me along the agricultural vector; but, Scarsdale seems just too far removed...perhaps until our power goes out for several days.
The historical/mythical dimension is often that of a surface reading of Torah. It is what is most commonly taught in our religious education as kids.
But, for me, the ethical dimension resonates most. It is a valued byproduct of our weekly Torah study.
David, your comments are really beautiful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWhen I lead our study this week I will give special attention the term "sacrifice," something I feel is key to the ethical dimension Rabbi Blake highlights in this parashat. In biblical times sacrifices were something given as an obligation or of free will (Rashi commenting on 22:18). Nowadays, sacrifice is relates to anything from baseball to business/trade/goods, time, acts of war, and many other things NOT relating to killing animals to propitiate God. Let's think about how this term has evolved over time as we study.
Hope to see you all this Shabbat.
Bob
Sorry for a few typos there. I meant to say "I will give special attention to..." in line 1 and take out that "is" in the 3rd sentence. Apologies for any confusion--it's late! Bob
ReplyDelete