Torah Reflections: Conversations on the Weekly Parshah

בס "ד

Integrar la Torá en la propia vida a través de la reflexión y la conversación puede ser una experiencia increíblemente divertida y atractiva. Es un viaje de descubrimiento, en el que la sabiduría ancestral y las enseñanzas intemporales cobran vida en nuestras experiencias cotidianas. A través de la reflexión, tenemos la oportunidad de sumergirnos en el rico tapiz de la Torá, extrayendo profundas ideas y lecciones que resuenan en nuestras vidas modernas. La alegría reside en los momentos "ajá", aquellos en los que un versículo o una historia de la Torá conectan de repente con nuestros retos, aspiraciones y valores personales. Y cuando participamos en conversaciones sobre la Torá con otras personas, se convierte en una exploración interactiva, en la que diversas perspectivas e interpretaciones mejoran nuestra comprensión. Estos diálogos a menudo despiertan el entusiasmo y la curiosidad intelectual, haciendo que el proceso de aprendizaje sea agradable y satisfactorio. La Torá se convierte en una parte vibrante y dinámica de nuestras vidas, que nos ofrece no sólo orientación, sino también una fuente inagotable de fascinación, conexión y crecimiento.

NOTA: No te sientas obligado a consultar todas las fuentes ni a responder a todas las preguntas, a menos que quieras hacerlo. Incluso una sola fuente o una sola pregunta te dará mucho material para debatir y meditar. Disfrútalo.

Some thoughts about Parshat Va’era

We know that the different names of G-d mentioned in the Torah refer to the way He appears in a given situation. In this parsha, G-d talks to Moses, revealing Himself as “the L-rd.” He reminds Moses of the promise to give the land of Canaan to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. G-d sees the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and promises to remember the covenant. Rashi explains that when G-d says, “I am the L-rd,” it means He’s faithful to reward the good and punish the wrongdoers. Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler adds that G-d’s Name is glorified when He rewards the good or punishes the bad, showing His constant involvement in the world.

Rabbi Moshe Chayim Luzzatto (Ramchal) explains, in simpler terms, that when G-d punishes the wicked, it’s not to be mean but to show His presence and remind people Who’s in charge. The Midrash says that E-lokim* represents G-d’s strict justice, while the four-letter name Y-K-V-K* represents His compassion. When Moses asks why things are tough, G-d responds with His compassionate name, reminding us that even in hard times, His kindness is always there. The verse “you have profaned the Name of your G-d, I am the L-rd” (Leviticus 19:12) tells us to remember G-d’s true compassionate nature, even when things seem tough.

*These Divine Names are written differently than they appear in the text to safeguard their holiness and so that they are not improperly disposed of.

Questions for discussion and personal reflection:

  1. How does recognizing G-d’s faithfulness in both rewarding goodness and punishing wrongdoing influence your understanding of divine justice in your own life?
  2. Reflect on moments in your life where you experienced challenges or difficulties. How might the concept of G-d’s compassion being always available offer a different perspective on those situations?
  3. Consider times when you’ve witnessed or experienced the consequences of actions, either positive or negative. How does this reflect the idea of G-d’s constant guidance and involvement in the world?
  4. In moments of adversity, do you tend to view the world as ruled by divine judgment or divine compassion? How might acknowledging G-d’s compassionate nature even in tough times impact your perspective?
  5. Think about the concept of glorifying G-d’s name through both rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. How does this idea shape your understanding of the purpose behind challenges and difficulties in life?

PDF

¡Shabbat Shalom!

Por el rabino Tani Burton

Copyright, todos los derechos reservados. Si le ha gustado este artículo, le animamos a seguir difundiéndolo.

Nuestros blogs pueden contener textos/citas/referencias/enlaces que incluyan material protegido por derechos de autor de Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Jabad.orgy/o AskNoah.orgque utilizamos de acuerdo con sus políticas.