In the Biblical era, humans controlled little about their fate between disease, weather, and war. Prayer, sacrifice, and obeying divine commands promised reward and threatened punishment, but did it offer comfort? This Torah portion demonstrates what our ancestors thought, which may be very different from what we believe today.

Rabbi Adam Chalom, Dean for North America of the IISHJ (www.iishj.org) and Rabbi of Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation (www.kolhadash.com), offers his thoughts.

For more programs on weekly Torah portions, visit this playlist:    • Torah Portion Discussions