"And the Study of Torah is Equal to Them All"

“And the study of Torah is equal to them all.” These words, from the Mishnah, are traditionally recited every day towards the beginning of our shacharit (morning) prayers. The Mishnah gives us a list of “…things that are limitless,” including honoring our parents, visiting the sick, celebrating with a wedding couple, and comforting mourners. The closing line, that the Torah encompasses them all or is equal to them all, teaches us an important lesson. It centers our focus squarely on Torah, and in its broadest sense the value of learning.

From the moment the Torah was given to our people by God through Moses on Mount Sinai, the Jewish people have been engaged in education. We study, wrestle with, and question the laws in order to try and learn lessons and find meaning in how we conduct our affairs. The Torah and the seemingly infinite universe of tractates, scrolls, and books are all attempts to answer questions and dilemmas big and small. When we study, we connect to the generations past who added their wisdom and experience to this unbroken chain. When we engage in learning, we are preparing to pass down the wonderful gift of learning and wisdom to the generations to come.

Judaism is a religion of life long learning. The B’nai mitzvah is but one milestone on the path which begins at birth and guides us throughout our lives. Here at Temple Sinai, we have a plethora of opportunities to engage with Jewish learning. Here are some examples:

Every Saturday morning, one of our rabbis conducts Torah Study. From 9:15-10:15 AM, we discuss, grapple, and argue the weekly Torah portion. We study commentaries both ancient and contemporary, and we strive to see ourselves, our stories, and our challenges in the text. Even though the cycle of Torah is repeated each year, there is always something new and fascinating to learn.

Every other Tuesday, Rabbi Roos teaches a class sponsored by the WRJ. This year, the class is focusing on some wonderfully fascinating Bible stories including Noah’s Ark, Elisha and the Shunnamite, the Wisdom of Solomon, and more. All are welcome to engage with this stimulating study.

One Monday a month, our robust Daytimers group gathers for fascinating lectures and discussions on topics ranging from the development of the modern rabbinate to Jews in China to stories of the early days of Temple Sinai.

Our Israel Affairs Committee sponsors fascinating lectures and programs revolving around the successes and challenges of the modern state, bringing in guest speakers from a multitude of backgrounds and various political and cultural orientations.

Our Library Committee runs and maintains a treasure-trove of books for adults and children, and an exciting collection of DVDs that you can borrow and rent at your leisure. They also have resources on topics ranging from talking to your children about death and exploring differences in our community.

Our religious school also offers wonderful learning opportunities for adult learners. This year, Rabbi Goldstein has launched “shame free Jewish learning” which allows parents to drop in to learn about topics relevant to their lives such as how to live as a jewish child or adolescent in a non-jewish society. This Spring, Cantor Robins will be launching a series aimed at teens and parents learning together.

“The study of Torah is equal to them all.” Education is central to our mission at Temple Sinai. We are a community which values and encourages lifelong learning. From learning our sacred texts to studying the complexities of modern Jewish existence, we have many opportunities here for engagement. We hope that you will join us. Our tradition teaches us that Rabbi Akiva did not begin to study until he was 40 years old. It is never too late to start.