Our guest this week is Rabbi Barry Gelman, Rabbi of United Orthodox Synagogues of Houston. Rabbi Gelman received his bachelors and masters from Yeshiva University and Rabbinic Ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchonon Theological Seminary, an affiliate of Yeshiva University. Before coming to Houston, Rabbi Gelman served as Rabbi of Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in Montreal, Canada as well as Assistant Rabbi at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, both in New York. He is the founding Director of MeORoT – Modern Orthodox Rabbinic Training, and Torat Miriam, both fellowships for those interested in Jewish communal service. Rabbi Gelman has taught at the Drisha Institute as well as at RAMAZ, a modern orthodox High School in New York. Rabbi Gelman is member of the Board of Directors of the Rabbinic Cabinet of State of Israel Bonds and the Executive Committee of the Rabbinical Council of America. Rabbi Gelman was invited to the White House in December 2005, where he delivered the annual Chanukah message to President Bush and the Jewish staff of the White House.
This week's Torah portion – Parashat Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16) – features the people of Israel being led out of Egypt by pillars of cloud and fire, the dramatic parting of the Red Sea, the song of Miriam, the bread from heaven, Moses hitting the rock, and Israel's war with Amalek. Our discussion focuses on the transition that the people of Israel go through in the desert, from a tribe to a nation.
Our past discussions of Parashat Beshalach:
Rabbi Mychal Springer on achieving true liberation
Shmuly Yanklowitz on the idea of rejoicing at the downfall of one's enemy
