Lifelong Learning Presents

The Social Justice Torah Commentary

Exploring Ethical and Spiritual Issues of Contemporary Life

The Rabbis of the Reform Movement (CCAR) have published The Social Justice Commentary, a collection of essays on the weekly parashahs, each written by a different Reform rabbi. Each commentary discusses the relevance of the weekly teachings of the Torah as they apply to the personal and social ethical questions we face every day. How do the teachings about freedom in the Torah inform our views of the rights and obligations of citizenship and about counting every vote? What do stories of the reparations Jews received from their time as slaves in Egypt or as survivors of death camps have to say about about reparations for Black Americans? How do the stories of Jewish migration throughout history contribute to how we approach the struggle today for secure boarders while still offering a haven from persecution and a land of economic opportunity? What can we learn about family relationships, both ideal and dysfunctional, in the weekly stories of the Torah that can guide us in the challenges of family life today? Rabbi Rick will share some of the wisdom found in these essays. We’ll explore why spending a few minutes each week with this Torah commentary can deepen your connection to Judaism and enrich your life.