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Rosh Hodesh Nissan | ראש חודש ניסן
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Welcoming Nisan
As we welcome the new Hebrew month of Nisan, we invite you to read, listen, and share the words of Torah in this newsletter—bringing your lives to Torah and Torah to your lives. We again thank Nireh Or Instagram Project founders Rabbi Hayley Goldstein`19 and Lizzie Sivitz for their words and artwork.
This new month of Nisan, also known as Aviv, is the month of spring, flowers, color, and finally, freedom. Nisan is the first month of the Jewish year, even though we celebrate Rosh HaShanah on the first of Tishrei. The Rabbis of the Talmud argue about this dichotomy, disagreeing on which month commemorates the world being created. The majority opinion is Tishrei, but Rebbe Yehoshua disagrees, saying:
"From where is it derived that the world was created in the month of Nisan? As it is stated: 'And the earth brought forth grass, herb yielding seed after its kind, and tree yielding fruit' (Genesis 1:12). Which is the month in which the earth is full of grass and the trees begin to bring forth fruit? You must say that this is Nisan. In this time of crisis for the world, it can be useful to notice how creation is renewed every day, and is especially visible in this month of Aviv. Can you notice the earth bringing forth grass, herbs yielding seeds, and trees getting ready to bear fruit?"
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Small Details and Moments of RepairParashat Vayak'hel-Pekudei (Exodus 35:1-40:38) By Max Edwards, Hebrew College rabbinical student
Over the past year I have become well-versed in romantic comedies. The most significant plot point in these movies is what’s called the “meet-cute,” a scene where two future love interests meet for the first time in an eccentric or comical manner. The meet-cute is vital to the plot of the movie, and not just because of the characters—the setting, backdrop, and time of day also typically impact the rest of the story. If you blink and miss some of those early details, there’s a risk that the climax at the end of the movie will leave you feeling neglected and longing for a resolution . . .
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Why We Say "70 Faces of Torah"
The ancient rabbinic expression “70 Faces (or Facets) of Torah” is a simultaneous call for epistemological humility and interpretive creativity. It is a reminder that only the Divine possesses ultimate truth and that as finite seekers, we need the contributions of many distinct voices. Torah can be compared to a precious gem that refracts differently based on one’s perspective. We, must, therefore, “turn it and turn it” in the company of passionate and compassionate teachers, students, and peers, who each bring their own unique gifts—“faces”—to the ongoing search for light and life.
By Rabbi Or Rose (above), Director of the Miller Center for Interreligious Learning & Leadership at Hebrew College & Founding Editor of the Hebrew College Seventy Faces of Torah blog
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Squash with Egg and Cheese
"I love that line about taking the spoon from the milchig (milk) drawer. I think that is such a great connection and grounds us in the Jewishness of Lydia’s life now. But it’s also a reminder of the ways that Judaism and Jewish tradition grow because non-Jews join the Jewish family and become Jews." — Judith Rosenbaum, PhD
In this episode of Speaking Torah, Hebrew College Board member Lydia Kukoff takes us on a journey through her sensory memories to discover the product of combining her Italian heritage with her chosen Jewish faith, melding her experiences, creating new traditions for her family, expanding the definition of Judaism, while also connecting deeply with its traditions. Lydia’s good friend Judith Rosenbaum, CEO of the Jewish Women’s Archive, reads her essay.
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Torah For This Moment
We invite you to visit our On Torah page page to read, watch and listen to the words of Torah on holidays, music, social justice, spirituality and more that are emerging from our students, faculty, and alumni. We hope they inspire you to draw more deeply on the well of Torah in your own life.
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Hebrew College is an innovative national institute for Jewish learning and leadership based in Newton, Massachusetts. We are dedicated to Jewish literacy, creativity, and community, and a world of dignity and compassion for all. Our students are future rabbis, cantors, and educators, and people at every stage of life who love to learn. Together, we are infusing Jewish life with substance, spirit, beauty, imagination, and a sense of purpose. Please join us and support our work with a tax-deductible gift.
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