Rabbi Koppell’s Writings
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…
Erev RH- The Talmud teaches, “Great is repentance, for on account of a single person who repents, the sins of all the world are forgiven.” (Yoma 86b) It is outrageous to suggest that one individual could save the world simply by reflecting upon his or her deeds, making amends…
Who needs to know? This is a vital principle in the US Army and, I’m sure, in many other business enterprises. It is a vital principle in our personal relationships, where communication is the foundation of intimacy. Who needs to know? Knowledge is power and, when vital information is NOT…