Shabbat as a Sign and a Covenant
Shabbat, the Sabbath, is the seventh day of the week and the culmination of creation. Exodus (31:12-17) gives it an additional special meaning, describing it as “a sign” and “eternal covenant” between God and the Children of Israel. Not...
The Covenant at Sinai
The Exodus from Egypt would not have been complete without entering into a covenant with God. In this covenant, the nation of Israel swears to keep the Torah. Just like the covenant made with Abraham, the covenant at Sinai was sealed with...
Encountering the Covenant Between God and Noah
Sondra Oster Baras of Christian Friends of Israeli Communities explains the significance of a Biblical covenant, which is a two-way street that God makes with humanity. Noah is told, “be fruitful and multiply” - to have children, many...
The Portion of Nitzavim
This week’s portion is one of the shortest in the Torah, with a mere 40 verses (next week’s Vayelech has only 30). Even when the two are combined, which happens most years, they number fewer verses than most other single portions. The...