Rabbi Koppell’s Writings
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh. For I have hardened his heart’.” Exodus 10:1 What is good about being hard-hearted? When might it be important? Sometimes you need to stand up to a bully- Grades K-4 When friends are pressuring you to do something you shouldn’t do…
Can you believe it’s 2015? Don’t you just want to stop the train, keep time from moving relentlessly forward, and freeze the moment? I think this is kind of a natural, universal human desire. We long for certainty in an uncertain world, we long for stability in a world of…
As part of our Bar/Bat Mitzvah studies, I have the pleasure of walking to Starbucks with our young people and hearing each of their unique perspectives on life. Of course, Starbucks was closed on the day Ben and I tried to go there, but we still had a good chat…
Biblical The Hebrew word “kheyn”, is derived from roots meaning, “yearn towards, long for, be merciful, compassionate, favorable, inclined towards.” a few references: Genesis 33:11- Jacob urges Esau to accept his gifts; “God has been gracious to me- I have everything” Numbers 6:25- the priestly blessing; “May God’s…
I was driving in the other day and listening to Christmas music- am I allowed to say that? Beautiful music and voices. And then I listened to one lyric that intensely reminded me of one of the many reasons that I am not Christian. I’m sure you’ve heard this lyric-…
Numbers Nu 1-Census of tribes-males age 20+ All who can bear arms. Not Levites-in charge of Tabernacle. Each tribe camps together with own flag. Nu 2-Tribal organization-north, south, east, west. Number of members for each tribe listed. As they camp, so shall they march, by clan. Nu 3-Genealogy of Aaron/Moses.…
Lv 1-Laws re: burnt offerings/olah. Herd/Flock/Bird. Male-no blemish. Lay hands on offering. Blood dashed on altar. Offering totally burnt. Lv 2-Laws re: grain offering/mincha. Flour/Oil/Frankincense. Priests eat part. No honey or leaven. Offerings must include salt. 1st fruits. Lv 3-Laws re: sacrifice of well-being/shelamim. Various animals. An offering of “pleasing…
Ex 1-New king doesn’t remember Joseph. Threatened by Israelites. Decrees kill male kids. Midwives Shifra/Puah disobey his order. Heroic. Ex 2-Moses’ mother hides him. Miriam helps. Adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter. Moses grows, kills man beating Hebrew slave. Flees to Midian. Ex 3-Moses notices burning bush. God tells him to free…
Gn 1-God creates world. Light, sky, land, plants, animals. Humans in God’s image- be fertile and increase. Six days. God says it is good. Gn 2-God rests. Not good for man to be alone. Woman formed from his rib. Don’t eat fruit of tree of knowledge of good/evil or you…
Deuteronomy Dt 1-Moses final address begins: reviews journey/asks God’s blessing on Israel/complaining/delegated leadership/spies/Joshua&Caleb survive. Dt 2-Into wilderness thru Sea of Reeds. Many battles along way-38 years. Warriors die off. Other nations in dread and fear of Israelites. Dt 3-More winning battles reviewed. Joshua told-do not fear, God with you. Moses…