We picked the last fig this week, even as we are able to see many more small figs that could ripen in a second season in a different climate. We hold their promise to next years fig-season. Such is life, anticipation, full taste, move on.
Ki Tetze provides us with many mitzvot in a manner similar to our figs, and similar to an earlier parashah, Mishpatim. There is a sense of future and present in these commands. What will be, is what is; what is, is what was. The fig theory of life.
Ki Tetze anticipates much of what the Israelites – and we today – might encounter both day to day, and in singularly unique circumstances, and provides us with a behavioral response. I find myself saying with greater frequency – “I never imagined I would be saying, doing…this in my lifetime.” Ki Tetze teaches us that there is a time, a place for circumstances we might not ever encounter, but if we do, here is the playbook. There is a sound and firm compassion, a rigour, and a sensibility that demands we think beyond our own need that informs these teachings.
And there is a conversation, a deep prayer embedded in these mitzvot. Dear God, how do I respond? What are you asking of me? Am I ready, am I able? We live within a temporal framework that invites our questions and then our actions. We pick the fig in its time.
Two new members Jenny Pakman and Tsofit Dori will be playing music and singing with us during the Yomtovim. And Annika Sauser, another new member will be accompanying Anabel Wind for our Kol Nidre service. Pamela Highbaugh Aloni and an accompanist will be playing the Bruch Kol Nidre that evening as we have come to deeply appreciate.
We are looking forward to their participation during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. We are looking forward to seeing you!
Much love,
Rabbi Lynn
Ki Tetze
September 1, 2025 by Rabbi Lynn Greenhough • From the Rabbi's Desk
We picked the last fig this week, even as we are able to see many more small figs that could ripen in a second season in a different climate. We hold their promise to next years fig-season. Such is life, anticipation, full taste, move on.
Ki Tetze provides us with many mitzvot in a manner similar to our figs, and similar to an earlier parashah, Mishpatim. There is a sense of future and present in these commands. What will be, is what is; what is, is what was. The fig theory of life.
Ki Tetze anticipates much of what the Israelites – and we today – might encounter both day to day, and in singularly unique circumstances, and provides us with a behavioral response. I find myself saying with greater frequency – “I never imagined I would be saying, doing…this in my lifetime.” Ki Tetze teaches us that there is a time, a place for circumstances we might not ever encounter, but if we do, here is the playbook. There is a sound and firm compassion, a rigour, and a sensibility that demands we think beyond our own need that informs these teachings.
And there is a conversation, a deep prayer embedded in these mitzvot. Dear God, how do I respond? What are you asking of me? Am I ready, am I able? We live within a temporal framework that invites our questions and then our actions. We pick the fig in its time.
Two new members Jenny Pakman and Tsofit Dori will be playing music and singing with us during the Yomtovim. And Annika Sauser, another new member will be accompanying Anabel Wind for our Kol Nidre service. Pamela Highbaugh Aloni and an accompanist will be playing the Bruch Kol Nidre that evening as we have come to deeply appreciate.
We are looking forward to their participation during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. We are looking forward to seeing you!
Much love,
Rabbi Lynn