Torah in the Woods
With Rabbi Mario Karpuj from Congregation Or Hadash
Tuesday Torah Study Group
Tuesdays, 12 to 1, at 2801 Buford Hwy, Suite 295,
near I-85 and N Druid Hills Rd
Info: Dr. David Woodsfellow 404-325-3401 woodsfellow@bellsouth.net
Weekly Or Hadash Torah study group at the office of
Dr. David Woodsfellow
This Tuesday, September 7, we will study the Torah portion for
Rosh HaShonah First Day this Thursday morning September 9,
Genesis chapter 21.
If it's important enough to read on New Year's Day, it's important
enough for us to study.
Three parts to this chapter: The birth of Isaac, the banishment
of Hagar and Ishmael, and a treaty with Abimelech and Phicol.
Somehow, the part about Hagar and Ishmael is the part that grabs me.
On Sarah's urging, Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael out into the desert
to die. Hagar, remember, is Sarah's handmaid, Abraham's
concubine. Ishmael is Abraham's son. Whew.
Sending them out to die. Heavy.
And, call to mind, on the second day of Rosh HaShonah we read
about Abraham's coming very close to killing his other son, Isaac.
Two very close calls. Two times, Abraham, obeying G-d's commands
is willing to sacrifice a son. Whew.
Somebody must have thought something about this was very important to
have chosen it for this special day. Many many Jews are in synagogue
only two days a year. This is one of those two days. This is one of
the two bits of Torah they get to hear.
Why this bit?
And why, on the bigger occasion, the first day, are we reading
about Ishmael and Hagar, rather than Isaac?
Ishmael doesn't die. Neither does Hagar. They are close to death
when G-d hears their call and saves them. They find water.
And G-d promises to make Ishmael into a great nation, because Ishmael
is Abraham's son.
Why are we reading this on Rosh HaShonah? What are we supposed
to learn from this?
Is it: Be willing to sacrifice your sons?
Or: Don't be willing to sacrifice your sons?
Or: The children of Ishmael are part of G-d's plan?
What do you think? Come join our discussion. We'll see what
Rabbi Mario thinks.
See you soon.
You're welcome to join us this week. Or any week. Or every week.
Warmly,
David
Torah in the Woods is a program of Congregation Or Hadash that is
open to all who are interested in Torah study. We meet every
Tuesday. You are welcome to arrive at 11:45 or anytime thereafter.
Bring your lunch if you'd like. Beverages are provided.
For directions and/or more information contact David Woodsfellow
at 404-325-3401 or woodsfellow@bellsouth.net
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