This year, along with Moreh Alan continuing to write the weekly D’var Torah, he will be inviting faculty and staff to contribute as well. This will provide a wonderful opportunity for our community to hear from and get to know more of our team. We hope you enjoy this new addition to our communications and the diverse perspectives it will bring.
About Morah Ilana:
Ilana Mansharov joins The Toronto Heschel School with 21 years of experience in Jewish education, bringing her passion for creative, inclusive learning. A native Israeli, Ilana is dedicated to embracing diversity and neurodiversity, making every learning experience unique. She’s excited to work with students, families, and staff, helping our community thrive in new and meaningful ways!
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Parashat Shoftim’s concept of Tzedek segues into this week’s Torah portion, Parashat Ki Teitzei. In this week’s Torah portion we learn about the symmetry between Justice – Tzedek and Compassion – Rachamim. The Parasha portrays seventy four specific Mitzvot focused on individuals, families, others, animals and even property. One of the Mitzvot is our school’s Middat Hashavua “Return items to their rightful owner.” In this particular Middah, we learn about Responsibility – Achrayut and Commitment – Mechuyavut which are values that derive from Justice and Compassion and from performing the Mitzvot mentioned in the Parasha. In each scenario where a mitzvah is commanded, we learn that true justice requires Compassion—Compassion for people, nature, and even for things that belong to others. This is the essence of responsibility to community.
While reading Parashat Ki Teizei, I see the alignment of the values presented in our school’s philosophy at the Toronto Heschel School. As Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel z”l presented the concept of community in his book The Prophets, he exclaimed the values of responsibility for ourselves and for others with his statement, “Few are guilty, but all are responsible.” I find reading Parashat Ki Teizei to be an opportunity to reflect on our values of community with Justice, Compassion, Responsibility, and Commitment, and on which mitzvot or actions will lead us to fulfill our duties as members of the Jewish community.
