Rabbi Toba Spitzer
Rabbi Toba Spitzer has served Congregation Dorshei Tzedek in West Newton, Mass. since 1997. She served as president of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Assocation from 2007-2009.
Nitzavim and Teshuvah
Study sheet on the relationship between Parashat Nitzavim and themes of teshuvah.
The Creation of Humanity: A Text Study
A text study from the midrashic literature on the creation of humanity
Emor and Omer: A Study Sheet
The ritual of counting the Omer takes place between the holidays of Pesach and Shavuot. This study sheet explores the deeper meaning of this commandment.
On Torah & Wilderness
Study sheet on the significance of having received the Torah at Mt. Sinai, in the wilderness.
What is the purpose of the tzitzit (fringes)?
What is the meaning of the fringes (tzitzit) on a Jewish prayer shawl (tallit)? Rabbi Toba Spitzer examines the sources.
Ki Tavo and the Practice of Joy
What does it mean to be commanded to be joyful? Rabbi Toba Spitzer unpacks this imperative from Parashat Ki Tavo.
Gates, Locked and Unlocked: A Yom Kippur Text Study
This text study examines the vivid image of gates closing at the end of Yom Kippur.
What is "Coveting"?
The Ten Commandments tell us not to “covet.” What does that mean? This study sheet explores sources related to this issue.
Making Pesakh Personal
This study sheet provides a variety of sources on the spiritual practices surrounding Passover (Pesakh).
Teshuvah and Compassion
This study sheet on teshuvah and compassion draws our attention to the interplay between our ability to forgive others, and God's ability to forgive us.
Of Kings, Messages, Journeys: Parables of Teshuvah
This study sheet contains two parables of the King and the returning son by the Baal Shem Tov, as well one of Kafka's parables, “The Imperial Messenger,” which has some intriguing echoes of and stark contrasts with the first two stories.
On Digging - Parashat Toldot
Rabbi Toba Spitzer assembles textual sources on the redigging of ancestral wells in Parashat Toldot.
The Complexities of Reconciliation: Joseph & His Brothers
A study sheet on Parashat Vayigash on the reconciliations/re-encounters between Joseph and his brothers, and between Joseph and Jacob.
Teshuvah: A Reconstructionist Perspective
A study sheet on the evolving concept of teshuvah over the ages.
Text Study on Nitzvavim: Turning in Teshuvah
A text study on Parshat Nitzavim on teshuvah, featuring teachings from Itturei Torah and Rabbi Sandy Roth (of blessed memory).
