By: Ora Shulman
The Jewish people have been reading the weekly Torah portion for over two thousand years. From shortly after we became a nation, Moshe taught that the Torah should be read publicly on regular basis, and Ezra and Nechemiah instituted the weekly Torah readings. Generation after generation, the Parsha has been one of the focal points of our Jewish lives. But, why does Associated Hebrew Schools place such a strong emphasis on these readings today? What significance does this practice hold for our modern lives?
Power of history:
The Torah is our most sacred text and is the foundation of our faith. Each Parsha is a chapter in our history and struggle. The weekly reading and study provides us with a constant reminder of our roots, our core values, and the basis of Halacha. Reading the Parsha allows us to maintain a constant connection to the basics of Judaism.
Power to connect globally:
The weekly readings also connects the Jewish people on a macro level. As humans, we have a thirst for connection to our faith, our soul and G-d. The Parsha also brings Jewish communities worldwide together, who, on a regular basis, publicly read the same text on the same day.
Power to bond with family and friends:
There is also strong influence on a more micro level. The Parsha can unite friends and family, whether it is through school classrooms, community programs, or discussing the weekly portion around the Shabbat table with our children and guests.
The Parsha offers a bond between people. It can be accessible and meaningful to everyone, regardless of age or level of observance. It provides us with a tool for education and guidance as well as a method to inspire ourselves with its lessons and applications to our daily lives.
Power to motivate:
Lastly, the Parsha is a source of personal motivation. It helps us gain insight into our lives and relationships. By reading the Parsha, we can draw inspiration and find our power from within to analyze and move through the events of our day to day lives, whether they are moments of doubt and sadness or major milestones and acts of wonder.
For students at Associated Hebrew Schools, from our youngest children to those in their graduating year, the weekly Parsha is the cornerstone of our Judaic learning. Our students understand Parsha Power.
I invite you to download this ebook with a Parsha summary for each week of the year.
May our classroom tables and your Shabbat tables represent the seamless partnership between our school and our families. And, may the lessons of our Torah continue to connect, motivate and inspire us for years to come.
