Why study Torah?
Torah study is a traditional component of Jewish learning. It connects Jews together, over time, space and denomination. It creates understandings, develops meanings and suggests possibilities for an increasingly engaged Jewish life. As conceptualized in this module, Torah study is an ongoing conversation one has with oneself, within the context of an historic and contemporary community.
Why focus on Nitzvavim?
Nitzavim is one of the final portions of the Five Books of Moses and it includes Moses’ poetic oration to the Israelites. The Rabbis divided the Torah readings so this poignant plea was, is, and will be, read aloud in all parts of the world on the Shabbat before the High Holy Days. It calls to all Jews as an invitation into the covenant that has defined the Jewish people. An encounter with this covenant and its origins in Torah touches the yearning to meet the divine. As such it inaugurates the process of study encouraged on this website.
Why consider Midrash as a process?
Midrash is traditionally defined as the creative writings of the Rabbis that fill in and explain the difficult passages of Torah. Codified Midrash is interpretative, subjective and explanatory, connecting the Rabbinic imagination to the original sacred text. In modern times, a reframed understanding of Midrash allows contemporary Jews to encounter the text and engage in the development of Midrash, defined here as an imaginative (and meaning-making) embellishment of text.
Why include imagery?
The leap from (read/lnear) text to (created/layered) image is the basis of this study process. The construction of imagery engages the body, mind and spirit, evoking a multi-sensorial participation of the sort that is implied in the traditional encouragement to hear, to see and to experience Torah.
