Rabbi Toba's Shabbat Thoughts

This week we begin the final section of the book of Exodus, which is almost entirely taken up with the construction of the Mishkan, the portable sanctuary that accompanied the Israelites throughout their wilderness wanderings. Parshat Terumah includes God’s instructions to Moses to “build me a holy place, that I may dwell among you.” This structure, to be created through the voluntary donations and craftwork of the Israelite community,...Read more...

I just returned from an incredibly inspiring rally in support of the Newton Teachers Association at the Newton City Hall.  Over 1,000 teachers, students, and community supporters were out in full force, braving the cold and chanting “enough is enough,” in support of a new, fair contract for the teachers. With so much going on in the world that tends to make me feel helpless to effect change, it was a wonderful reminder of the power...Read more...

This week we begin reading the book of Exodus/Shemot, which initiates the great story of the liberation from slavery in Egypt. In the first chapters of the book, the verb to “see” is repeated numerous times.  When Moses is born, his mother “sees” how beautiful he is, and  decides to save him from Pharaoh’s decree to murder all newborn Israelite boys.  She puts him in the Nile in a little basket, and as it floats...Read more...