We all know the old expression, “Two Jews, three opinions!” A cute, funny line, but rooted in a fundamental philosophy that is paramount to our tradition. From our very beginnings, Judaism has been a religion that encourages dialogue and debates l’shem shamayim (for the sake of heaven). Jacob wrestled with a divine being and was renamed Israel – one who struggles with the Divine. In our Yom Kippur morning Torah portion, Nitzavim, we are taught, “the Torah is not in Heaven… it is in our hearts,” for us to interpret and disagree over! And the rabbis of the Talmud provide one of the greatest examples of discourse, constantly pushing each other and questioning.
In this spirit, we are excited to engage with Israel this fall in three distinct learning opportunities, beginning with two very different perspectives. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted by rodephshalom 
BlogRS 