46. EKEV
In the Dangerous Doorways
45. VA'ETCHANAN | 46. EKEVRabbi Arthur Waskow
In the Dangerous Doorways
By Arthur Waskow*
Twice in the Torah, we are taught to place upon our doorways (for which the Hebrew is "mezuzot") some words that "I [God] command you this day." These words are also to appear between our eyes, upon our hands, and upon our gates.
Eco-Torah: the Wind & Rain, The Sun and Soil, are ONE
GREEN MENORAH COVENANT (on climate crisis) | 46. EKEV | Oiloholic Uncle Sam & Global Scorching | PrayerRabbi Arthur Waskow
When Torah Says the Breath of Life is ONE:
2d Paragraph of Sh'ma
This week, the Jewish reading of the Torah moves deeper into the Book of Deuteronomy. One of the powerful passages in this week's portion is Deuteronomy 11: 13-21 -- so powerful that in traditional prayer-books, it was treated as the second paragraph that comes just after the Sh'ma – the affirmation/ reminder of God's unity.
In quite direct translation, it says:
"If you hear, yes hear (shamoa tishma'u) the commandments/ connections (mitzvot) that today I command you/ connect you to, to love YHWH/ the Breath of Life your God and to serve Him [sic] with all your heart and every breath, then I will rain upon the earth in its right-time, autumn rain that falls like an arrow and the soaking rains of winter, and you will gather in your grain, your wine, and your olive oil. I will give grass in your fields for your cattle. And you will eat and be satisfied.
