THE HAFTARAH

Unlike the weekly Torah portion, the Haftarah is generally shorter (1-2 chapters long) taken from the Prophets, the second section of the Jewish Bible. This section (Nevi'im) includes both the historical books (sometimes referred to as the Early Prophets) Joshua, Judges, Samuel and Kings, as well as the more famous 'literary prophets' Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. There are also twelve 'minor' prophets (minor here does not refer to their importance, but rather the quantity of their preserved writings- usually only a few chapters. The minor prophets were all written on one scroll). It is not clear when the reading from the Prophets was instituted. Some suggest that it was introduced to challenge the Samaritans who claimed that only the Torah was divine, but not the other books. (Surprisingly, the oldest reference is not in Jewish sources, but in the book of Acts, when it is related that Paul spoke to the congregation "after the reading from the Torah and the Prophets").

5766 Haftarah Commentary

In the year 5766, instead of focusing on the Torah portion, we examined the Haftarah. Here is a list of the weekly parashah, with links to each week's column.

To see Torah commentaries, click on the Torah Commentary Archives link on the sidebar on the left hand side of the page.

Click here to see the current parasha.

Breishit : What kind of relationship do we want to have with God in the coming year?
Noah : We don't have a choice of what we're dealt in life, we can only choose how to play it.
Lech Lecha : It is not so much that Jews are the Chosen People, but that we are the Choosing People.
VaYera : Every morning how grateful we should be to awaken a new day.
Chaye Sarah : What is important in life, what lessons have been learned, and what advice would we want to pass on to others.
Toldot : We should be careful that our actions 'say' what we mean.
VaYetze : Are we running towards something, or running away.
VaYishlach : What goes around, comes around- until we seek forgiveness.
VaYeshev: With great power, comes great responsibility.
Miketz: Do we 'wake up' from a dream or do we roll over and go back to sleep?
VaYigash: The dynamic tension of different cultures can be a source of great creativity, or painful polarization.
VaYechi: We cannot finish everything we hope to do in the world --- but others who come after us can complete our efforts.

Shemot: It is easy to come up with reasons so we need to distinguish between legitimate obstacles and lame excuses
VaEra: Only by remembering that we are just the servants in the palace, can we 'know' God.
Bo: Only if we are prepared to filter the truths of the Bible through the lens of rational thought can we protect ourselves from the dangers of fundamentalism.
Beshalach: We should encourage young men and women to recognize women as role models for the Jewish community.
Yitro: Is God not speaking, or are we not listening?
Mishpatim: Whether or not we are slaves is dependent on whether we believe God is One.
Terumah: As long as we have Torah, we still have a way back to the Garden.
Tetzaveh: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift. That's why it's called the 'present.'
Ki Tisa: Let us channel our inclination and/or 'talents' for misdeeds for a higher purpose.
VaYakhel-Pikude: Is there a way in the diaspora to reconect to natural time and to the land of Israel?

VaYikra: Can we infuse our worship today with the passion and drama of the sacrifices?
Tzav: Passover orients us towards that great day of redemption for all the world.
Hol HaMoed Pesach: Nothing is wasted in nature or in love.
Shemini: Religion can only have worth when it values human life.
Tazria- Metzora: Turning and thinking about others and speaking out, brings redemption.
Aharei Mot-Kedoshim: Planting is connecting something at its root.
Emor: Judaism is an evolving, historical conversation between humanity and the Divine.
Behar-Behukotai: God is both Israel's hope and the source for Divine purification

BaMidbar: Not only should we be faithful, but we should live in a relationship of partnership.
Shavuot: Acts of lovingkindness bring Torah into the world.
Naso: The person who chooses their own destiny has true strength.
BeHalotecha: The menorah is a symbol of the Jewish people's faith that has endured.
Shlach Lecha: The signs to enter God's Promised Land and see God's Presence may be found in surprising places!
Korach: Our answer to God's call should be: 'Speak, for Your servant is listening'
Chukat-Balak: Humility before God must be the starting point.
Pinchas: How is our rejection of God with the Golden Calf connected to the loss of the Temple?
Matot /Masai: Our covenant with the Fountain of Living waters can be reestablished.

Devarim: Worst of all are those who pretend to be righteous.
Vaetchanan: On Tisha B'av we reflect on Israel's exile at the hands of the Romans and pray that we will have the strength to withstand this current attack.
Ekev: Even with suffering we can still choose to believe that our lives have meaning, and to believe in God.
Re'eh: Life requires a balance of physical sustenance, emotional nourishment and spiritual joy.
Shoftim: Whether we live in Israel or not, we must consider our relationship to Zion in our lives as Jews.
Ki Tetze: God feels close when we nurture our relationship through prayer and mitzvot.
Ki Tavo: The people of Israel in partnership with the Divine source of Light, can usher in the light of redemption.
Nitzavim/VaYelech: As we enter this season of repentance, God will take one step towards us for every step we take to return.
Ha'azinu: I can think of no better way to start the process of Teshuvah, than by beginning to be grateful.