Torah in the Woods
Tuesday Torah Study Group
With Rabbi Mario Karpuj from Congregation Or Hadash
Tuesdays, 12 to 1, at 2801 Buford Hwy, Suite 295, near I-85 and N
Druid Hills Rd
For more information contact Dr. David Woodsfellow at 404-325-3401 or
woodsfellow@bellsouth.net
Greetings!
This week, Tuesday August 26, we study parasha Re'eh, Deuteronomy
11:26 - 16:17. Our first triennial part is verses 11:26 - 12:28, the
first two aliyot of the parasha.
Moses begins, "Behold I set before you this day a blessing and a curse."
And, you know, sometimes it's that simple. Sometimes the choices we
look at are just that simple, just that black and white. Of course,
they're not always that simple. Sometimes there are lots of shades
of gray, and lots of considerations, and lots of different things to
take into account. Sometimes it's the lesser of two evils, or the
greater of two goods.
But sometimes it is that simple. There are certain curses - and
certain accursed things - that we really should turn away from.
Now, to me, it gets a little dicey when we start talking about just
what those things are. You see there are lots of different opinions,
it seems. Now it wasn't too dicey for Moses. Do what G-d wants,
don't do what G-d doesn't want. Do turn toward G-d, don't turn
toward other gods.
But just what is G-d? And what isn't? And what are other gods? And
what aren't? And who decides?
Korach thought everyone should decide for themselves. G-d didn't
seem to agree with that, if I'm reading the story right.
And yet, most of us have had moments in our lives when we really did
have choices that looked pretty clearly like good versus evil, like
blessing versus curse.
Put most simply: if you know something's really wrong, you shouldn't do it.
Even if you feel like it.
Don't choose the curse. Whenever you have the power to choose, don't
choose the curse. Choose the blessing instead.
Warmly,
David
If you can, please read this week's portion before our meeting.
Our discussions are much deeper when we're all acquainted with the
material. You're definitely welcome, whether or not you've read
the portion; but most people read in advance and our discussions
proceed from there.
This Torah Study Group is a program of Congregation Or Hadash,
and is open to all who are interested in Torah Study.
You are welcome to attend any week, or every week.
We meet every Tuesday, 12:00 to 1:00 at my office,
A Center for Relationship Therapy,
2801 Buford Highway, Suite 295, Atlanta, GA 30329.
We are very near I-85 and North Druid Hills Rd,
minutes from I-75 and GA 400.
You are welcome to arrive at 11:45 or anytime thereafter.
Bring your own lunch, if you'd like. Beverages are provided.
For directions and/or more information contact me (David
Woodsfellow) at 404-325-3401 or woodsfellow@mindspring.com.
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