Think & Reflect:
Jews are called “People of the Book”, although based on the number of books written about THE book, we probably should be called “People of the Books”. However, the Torah remains the most important book with interpretations going back to the beginning and continuing today.
The Torah is the five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The original Hebrew has been translated into probably every language today and it remains the most read book of all times. That being said, many of us have not read it as often or as deeply as we should – it is a fascinating story!!! The Torah is filled with stories and life lessons that are relevant to every age. Interpretation has been the task of learned sages and rabbis, but it is also for each of us to read to find lessons for ourselves. Also, remember that translation is a form of interpretation – each translation sheds new light on the meaning of the words.
Reading and interpreting have been the way of Jewish life forever. It is good to know and learn from different viewpoints but the most important is to find what it means to you!! You don’t need to be a sage to begin your own journey of learning!
Questions to Ponder
If you are a regular Torah learner, great – now go deeper and find those stories that aren’t part of the usual that you hear about in synagogue. Or just open a page at random and see what you can find. There is always something to learn. If you have not made Torah study part of your life, try it! Start with the Book of Genesis – there is so much about family life that resonates today.
Questions? That is how we learn – by asking questions! The answers are actually less important than the questions so start with a story and list all the questions you can think of and then go from there!
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Do & Share
When I bring out my tattered copy of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible consisting of the Torah, the prophets, and the writings – but more on that at another time), I am always saying, “This is my favorite – just listen to this!” Find your favorite stories and send them to me – tell me why this one resonates with you. Check out one of my favorites: Exodus 18. It has good business advice!!
A Challenge for a Week (or longer)
Go to Amazon and get yourself a Torah and start reading. The rabbis came up with a brilliant idea of a cycle of reading so everywhere Jews are reading the same section together each week but you don’t have to start there (or you could). Go to a Jewish website and put in Torah portions – start learning!
Laura Seymour | Camp Director Emeritus | Jewish Experiential Learning Director
Lseymour@jccdallas.org
