Kol Ramah

Parashat Eqev [Deuteronomy 7:12-11:28] features, among other things, the 2nd paragraph of the Shema [11:13-21], which we discuss in light of its last line and the general Deuteronomic theme of שכר ועונש [s’khar v-o’nesh, reward & punishment], the biblical source for ברכת המזון [birkat ha-mazon, grace after meals], which we discuss in the context of how punctuation informs meaning, and the rabbinic limit on praise of God in תפילה [t’fillah, prayer] (10:17), which we do not discuss at all! We do get to a few verses of the haftarah [prophetic portion, Isaiah 49:14-51:3]. It is a lively conversation! Comments and criticisms are welcome at parshatalk@gmail.com.