The Lord will show who belongs to Him and who is Holy, and He will have that person come near Him!

Published: Tue, 08/05/25

Updated: Wed, 08/06/25

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."

Deuteronomy 4:9

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Hi friend,

This coming Shabbat's Torah portion, read on Saturday, Aug 9th, is Parashat Vaetchanan. In this week’s Torah reading, Va’etchanan, Moses continues his attempt to impress upon the Israelites the importance of following G‑d’s commandments, the rewards which will result from obeying G‑d’s words, and the punishments they will incur if they neglect to do so. Moses recounts the story of the giving of Torah at Mount Sinai, and repeats the Ten Commandments. Moses designates cities of refuge. This portion also contains the Shema.

Please enjoy this teaching of our beloved Root Source teacher, Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz of blessed memory, about this week's Torah portion, Vaetchanan, and share your thoughts with us!

Last week, our popular Root Source teacher Rabbi Gedalia Meyer talked about Devarim. Watch it below.

Participate in our enlightening lesson Teacher Dr. Benny Benjamin talked about (Noach): “Come out of the ark!”: Is it OK to stay in my comfort zone? Watch it below.

Take part in the inspiring lesson Bob O’Dell Interview with Just Among Friends Part 2 with Teacher Bob O'Dell . Learn more below.

Check below to hear what Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta have to share.

We sign off with a nice comment and a beautiful photo of Safed, Israel.

Shalom,

Gidon Ariel and Bob O’Dell
Root Source Founders

Parashat Vaetchanan

Moses recounts how he pleaded with G‑d to allow him entry into Israel. G‑d refused this request, but instructed Moses to climb a mountain from where he would see the Promised Land. Moses enjoins the people to follow G‑d’s law, and never to add to or detract from it. Moses uses the Baal Peor incident to demonstrate that those who remained faithful to G‑d survived and thrived.

Parashat Vaetchanan: What is Idolatry?

Most people think idolatry is just bowing down to golden statues, but this Parasha reveals something much deeper. True idolatry happens when we take one good thing and make it our whole world, separating it from everything else that matters. Think of it like this: imagine God’s wisdom as a beautiful, complete puzzle. When God gave the Torah at Mount Sinai, the Israelites saw a divine vision like God’s chariot with four spiritual creatures, including one with an ox face. Instead of appreciating the complete vision, they became fixated on just the ox creature, “unhitched” it from the whole, and worshipped it as the Golden Calf. The ox was actually holy as part of the complete divine vision, but when separated and worshipped alone, it became destructive (Exodus Rabba 43:8; Numbers Rabba 9:49).

Learn here

Devarim:
Rabbi Gedalia Meyer's Weekly Torah Study

After 2,000 years of exile, Israel has returned and rebuilt much of what was destroyed. The exile is effectively over and Jerusalem is a vibrant, thriving city. Some ask, do we still need to fast on the 9th? The prophet Zechariah provides the answer.

Watch the video

(Noach): “Come out of the ark!”: Is it OK to stay in my comfort zone?

Stepping outside your comfort zone isn't always a choice, but sometimes you're thrust into challenging situations—like giving a presentation unexpectedly—and must adapt quickly. Seeking help from others and breaking down big tasks into manageable steps, much like exposure therapy, can ease fears such as public speaking and build confidence over time. These gradual, deliberate efforts not only improve your skills but also strengthen work relationships and prepare you for future challenges.

Learn here

Bob O’Dell Interview with Just Among Friends Part 2

Bob O’Dell Interview with Just Among Friends Part 2 of 2

Learn here

Conversations:
Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta - August 4, 2025

Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta explored the cultural and educational differences between their communities, touching on the historical and geographic distinctions of Judea and Samaria. They compared the British and American school systems, particularly the challenges of vacation scheduling for families. Gidon explained the complexities of the Jewish calendar, emphasizing its lunar-solar nature and impact on school holidays. The two also shared experiences from attending conferences, discussing event formats, costs, and networking opportunities. Gidon highlighted Israel’s Orthodox Bible scholarship scene, while Alan shared insights from his pastoral networks and ministry events.

Watch the video

Comments

We get so many comments!
Here is one from Debbie Bloom on lesson

What is Wisdom?

"I was delighted to listen to the lesson What is Wisdom? with your teacher Rabbi Aryeh Leifert after a long 12 hour work day.
I need yet to sit and study the Hebrew
As a musician, fascinated with your conversation with Jason Caplan"

Safed, Israel

Enjoy this photo in Israel by Stanislav Vdovin.

Blessings and Shalom,
Bob and Gidon

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The Lord will show who belongs to Him and who is Holy, and He will have that person come near Him!

Parashat Vaetchanan

Parashat Vaetchanan: What is Idolatry?

Devarim: Rabbi Gedalia Meyer's Weekly Torah Study

(Noach): “Come out of the ark!”: Is it OK to stay in my comfort zone?

Bob O’Dell Interview with Just Among Friends Part 2

Conversations: Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta - August 4, 2025

Devarim:
Rabbi Gedalia Meyer's Weekly Torah Study

Conversations:
Gidon Ariel and Alan Latta - August 4, 2025