Mindful Torah...and more

The early 20th century Jewish existentialist philosopher Franz Rosenzweig believed that the knowledge of our mortality is the ultimate negative force in our lives.  The fact that we know we shall eventually die hangs over us like a cloud, if we let it.  However, it is love that is the ultimate positive force in our lives.  It is the existence of love that allows, and even compels, us to live life in spite of the knowledge of our mortality. Hopefully, most of us don't spend our lives constantly thinking about our ultimate end.  Rather, Rosenzweig believed that the ultimate goal is to live a life dedicated to the love of God.  This goal is achieved, in good part, by loving our fellow human beings.  In loving,  we are able to find goodness and hope.  I agree with Rosenzweig in the power of love to create meaning in our lives in spite of the knowledge that we will die.  However, it is also true that we all eventually begin to f...

This week's parashah /portion is Korach ( Bemidbar / Numbers 16:1-18:32).It begins with the rebellion against the leadership of Moses led by Korach, Dathan, and Aviram. These three tribal leaders question the authority of Moses and end up being swallowed by the earth. The parashah then ends with a reminder that the first born of every human being and animal is meant to be dedicated to God. However, the first born [male] of each human being is instead to be redeemed by the priests and replaced by the Levites, who are to serve in the Mishkan /Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. Furthermore, the first born of impure (unfit) animals are also to be redeemed, but the first born of cattle, sheep and goats are not to be redeemed, for they are to be dedicated to God through ritual sacrifice. Surprisingly, there is a connection between these two parts of the parashah. This common thread is the concept of "opening." In the rebellion narrative the earth 'opens up...