Insights and Values from the Torah

Thursdays at Noon

For Beth El Rabbi Mordechai Levin, the study of Torah is an endless endeavor, offering new perspectives and wisdom with each reading. Quoting the Mishnah, he says of Torah study, “‘Turn it again and again, for everything is in it; contemplate it, grow gray and old over it, and swerve not from it, for there is no greater good.’”

Motivated by such inspiration, Rabbi Levin has chosen the theme “Insights and Values from the Torah” for his new adult-education class, scheduled for Thursdays at noon, beginning on November 1.

Each week, major themes of the Torah will be discussed, he said, and “we will bring modern eyes to ancient, sacred texts.”

Although the Torah is read every Saturday morning and evening, every Monday and Thursday, and on the festivals,” Rabbi Levin observed that “during those moments we usually don’t have all the time we need for more in-depth examination. This class will be an opportunity for people to bring their questions and share their points of view about important Torah-related topics.”

During each session, participants will delve into the meaning of the text from the perspective of its original context, and will also explore broader questions such as, ‘In what ways does the text reflect or conflict with our own beliefs and values?’ ‘What about the text do we find challenging? ‘How do we relate to it?’ ‘What are the practical things we can learn from the text and use in our lives?’ ‘Of what relevance is the text to us this week?’ ‘What is the equivalent challenge to us in our own lives, in this time?’ and ‘How does this text compare with the contemporary practice of Judaism?’

The rabbi’s Torah studies began during his Jewish day school years, and continued from his studies at Hamidrashah Haivrit (a teachers’ institute) and the Latin American Rabbinical Seminary to the present. “What I have always found fascinating,” he said, “is that Torah is unending. We can read it and reread it, and each time we can discover a new understanding, a new meaning.”

He continued: “The study of Torah allows us to set ourselves into a context of meaning and value that transcend ourselves. It connects us to God, Judaism and the Jewish people. When we study Torah, we are not studying an abstract text of the ancient world. We are studying the way in which God wants us to live.

“Torah is the conversation among generations of Jewish thinkers — sharing their perceptions of God’s presence, of life’s purpose and beauty. When we study Torah, we join the conversation.”

The rabbi invites all adults in the Jewish community to join in the conversation by participating in his year-long class. Cost to attend is $36. To register or for more information, contact Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492-8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

---

Go inside to see a summary of Rabbi Levin's previous classes.