You may have heard of the idea that there are over 70 Themes in the bible. There is no definative list of these 70, its a concept not an exact list. Here are some suggestions to help you find the various themes that could be explored in each torah portion:
Some of the Themes or motifs you will find in your study of the bible. I’ll expand the first one so you see some of the ways to see them.
- Creation: God as Creator of the universe.
The patterns of creation, can be events that follow the same patterns of creation – look for events that are 7 in number.
For example there are 7 Feasts of the Lord. Or
Symbols that match creation (Darkness/Light, Water/Clould Separation, Land/Plants trees, Sun Moon Stars/Moed, Birds/Fish, Animals/Mankind, Shabbat Rest)
For example Exodus story has all of these same elements – We see “new creation” in these events.
- Life and Death: The cycle of existence.
- Covenant (Brit): The relationship between God and humanity.
- The Nations: The 70 nations of the world.
- Revelation: The giving of the Torah at Sinai.
- Exodus/Redemption: Liberation from bondage.
- Community/Unity vs Conflict
- The Promised Land: The focus on Israel as a homeland.
- Justice (Tzedek): The pursuit of fairness and righteousness.
- Holiness: The command to be a holy people.
- Repentance (Teshuvah): The possibility of return to God.
- Providence: God’s ongoing involvement in history.
- Welcoming the Stranger: Social responsibility.
- Compassion/Grace: God’s mercy.
- Truth: The multifaceted nature of divine truth.
- Reconciliation