Rosner’s Torah Talk: Parshat Ki Tavo with Rabbi Abby Jacobson

[additional-authors]

Shmuel Rosner

August 30, 2018

Rabbi Abby Jacobson received her rabbinic ordination, along with a Master’s degree in Hebrew Letters, from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, New York City, in 2009. Rabbi Jacobson has been a proud member of the Emanuel Synagogue in Oklahoma City since August 1, 2009. She is also the current president (and long-time board member) of the Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma.

This week’s Torah Portion – Parashat Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) – begins with Moses instructing the people of Israel to bring the first fruit they reap in the holy land to the Holy Temple in gratitude to God. The portion continues to state the laws concerning tithes given to the Levites and to the poor. Moses then gives the children of Israel instructions on the blessings and curses they must say at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (the “Mount of the Blessing” and the “Mount of the Curse”). At the end of the portion, Moses gives lists of good and bad things that will happen to the people of Israel if they follow or stray from the Torah. Our discussion will focus on the pasuk “Arami Oved Avi” (My father was a wandering Aramean) and on its role in forming a historically conscious people and national identity.