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 from the parsha

En Devarim 29:9-10, Moshe gathers the entire nation of Israel—leaders, men, women, children, and even the strangers among them—before G-d, marking a crucial moment of covenant renewal. The Hebrew word “נצבים” (nitzavim), meaning “standing,” suggests more than just standing still; it conveys reaching a spiritual plateau, a moment of readiness for the next phase. This idea parallels Jacob, who erected a matzevah (a signpost or altar) in Parshat Vayeitzei to commemorate a spiritual turning point in his life.

For Jacob, the matzevah symbolized the transition from the era of the forefathers to the era of the twelve tribes. For the Israelites, it marked their shift from a miraculous existence in the desert, where G-d’s presence was evident, to a more natural, earthly life in the Land of Israel, where perceiving G-d amidst the distractions of the physical world would require greater effort.

En matzevah teaches us about the importance of pausing to reflect on where we are spiritually and where we are headed. This is especially relevant before significant moments, such as Rosh Hashanah. Interestingly, a tombstone is also called a matzevah in Hebrew, which highlights how a person is remembered after their life has ended. But while the matzevah is fixed and unchanging, our lives should not be.

Many people focus on being something—being a good person, being successful, or being a member of a community. But this static sense of identity, though comforting, misses the essence of spiritual growth. True spirituality is about doing—constantly striving, learning, and transforming. Life is not about reaching a final state of perfection but about the ongoing process of becoming. Like a sporting season, where the excitement comes from every game, not just the final win, the spiritual life finds meaning in each step, each action, and each moment of growth.

This distinction is also reflected in the Torah’s instruction that, after it was given, Israel was no longer allowed to use a matzevah for worship. Instead, they were to build a mizbeiach (altar), symbolizing an ongoing, dynamic relationship with G-d. The Izhbitzer Rebbe teaches that even our concept of G-d should not become rigid, like metal, but should remain fluid, capable of growing and deepening. Spirituality that is focused on doing reflects this principle—it remains alive, adaptable, and open to change.

Now, reflect upon the following questions

  1. In what areas of your life have you focused more on being something (e.g., a particular identity or role), and how can you shift toward doing—constantly striving and growing in that area?
  2. How can you create regular “signposts” or matzevot in your life to pause and reflect on your spiritual growth, helping you stay on the path of becoming rather than remaining fixed?
  3. Reflecting on the idea that a tombstone is a matzevah marking the essence of one’s life, what do you hope your life’s “summary” will be, and how does that influence the actions you take today?
  4. How can you cultivate a spirituality that is fluid and dynamic, one that grows and adapts, rather than one that is rigid and fixed in place?
  5. In moments of distraction or difficulty, how do you maintain focus on the actions that lead to spiritual growth, especially when the distractions of the physical world make G-d’s presence harder to perceive?

PDF

¡Shabbat Shalom!

Por el rabino Tani Burton

Si quieres más preguntas para la contemplación, VEA LOS OTROS BLOGS DEL RABINO TANI BURTON SOBRE LAS PREGUNTAS DE PARSHAT

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.