Seeing the World Through Torah

This week we encounter the stories of Joseph and his brothers - but in this post, I won’t dive into the text itself. Instead, I want to share a story.

Just yesterday, I had the privilege of being featured on the ReligionWise podcast at my alma mater, Muhlenberg College. I had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Chip Gruen about my path to the rabbinate, how I understand my Jewish identity and practice, and how all of that shapes who I am as a rabbi.

After the recording, I had the chance to meet with a few of the students who attended the event. One came up to me and said, “I was at Beth Or this weekend for my cousin’s Bar Mitzvah!” Another added, “You’ll see my aunt tomorrow morning - she works at the Jewish Federation and she has a meeting at Beth Or.”

Finally, I met Dr. Dustin Nash, the head of Jewish Studies at Muhlenberg and the Chair of the Religion Department. When I asked about his area of study, he told me that he focuses on the use of the term “brother” in the sacred texts of the Ancient Near East - and what it might mean that the word “brother”  is used to describe the tribes of Israel.

I love studying Torah. It brings intellectual challenge and deep insight. But even more, Torah study changes the way we see the world.

Had I not been on this 929 schedule, Dr. Nash’s area of study might not have struck me so deeply. Had I not been part of this wonderful Beth Or community, I might not have shared so many connections with the students I met that night.

Involvement in Torah study and engagement with Jewish community not only shape who we are - they shape the very way we see the world around us.

-Rabbi Jason Bonder