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How to Write a
D'var Torah
by Elie Schwartz, z"l
"If two Jews sit together and exchange no words of Torah, they are a
meeting of scoffers, but when two Jews sit together and do exchange words
of Torah, the divine presence abides with them." — Rabbi Simon, Pirkei Avot
How to Write a D’var Torah:
First things first:
You must know your audience. Are you addressing your USY chapter? Your region?
The Youth Commission? Are you addressing group of “important” adults or a group of your
friends? What’s the maturity level and observance level of your audience? These are all
things to take into consideration before you begin researching and deciding on a topic.
What is a question that your target audience would need answered? In other words, you
shouldn’t answer a question that no one is asking because you will lose your audience
right off the bat.
If you do talk about something that most of your audience has not yet thought about,
phrase it in a way that will speak to them. For example, if your audience is a group of
very non-observant Jews, do not say “You should be doing more and here’s why.” Instead,
say, “What are you doing that makes you feel ‘more Jewish’?”
“Do’s and Don'ts”
- Do Not: Give a summary of the portion - that's what the actual Torah Reading
is for.
Do: Pick up on a particular part of the Torah portion. Read it through,
and keep in mind some problematic issues, or questions you have about it.
Afterwards, see if you can answer them.
- Do Not: Rely solely upon your opinion. If you write a research paper,
you look up in a book or encyclopedia, why do any less here?
Do: Look up what Rashi & other commentators have to say, or maybe
even modern commentators. Even look at what the people say on the bottom
of Hertz Chumash. Utilize your Synagogue library as a resource.
- Do Not: Only rely on English. The Conservative Movement was founded upon Hebrew.
The languge is the core of the movement.
Do: Read even just one pasuk in Hebrew, for it is something upon.
This pasuk should be the one that you focus upon.
- Do Not: Have a fixed idea of what you want to say before the D'var Torah is written.
Do: Try to keep an open mind about the Parashah. Read the Torah reading
(try the Hebrew and English), then come up with a list of questions that
boggle you. Look to other sources for some answers, think of your own answers,
and then try to find a lesson or moral in what you think you could learn
from this problem and subsequent answer. Finally, try to see if you can
relate this lesson to everyday life.
- Do Not: Make it boring!
Do: Relate it to everyday life. Once you are done with D'var Torah,
and know your message, think of a real-life occurrence, a good story, song
lyrics, or joke that might somehow relate to the text. You can begin with
this story, news item or joke (people will think you're crazy, and they'll
listen) and then continue by relating it to the Parashah. Tie it in along
the way, and then conclude by showing how this crazy story or joke might
be relevant to real life because of the lessons in the Torah Reading.
- Do Not: Go to either extreme. You don't want to be so wishy-washy
that no one knows where you stand, but you also don't want to be didactic
and put others down in what you say. After all, there might be another viewpoint
on the topic.
Do: Take a stand on what you say in an empathic and understanding
manner. Say something real about the Torah reading without disallowing others
to say something else real.
- Do Not: Read a story. That is not Torah, no matter how much bull
you try to sling.
Do: Base your D'var Torah, on..... Torah. Base it on the Torah Reading
(ideally), or even something from other Judaic texts.”
Also remember:
While you should not merely read a story, items in the Talmud, Midrash,
and the Siddur can all be used as D’var Torah topics. Though traditionally
Divrei Torah are about the weekly Torah portion, “words of Torah” can be
taken from all of the above.
A D’var Torah is for learning. Don’t be
nervous! Don’t be intimidated! The purpose is not for you to be perfect,
but for everyone (yourself included) to learn something valuable. You
should not be lazy or irresponsible in your writing the D’var Torah, but
no one is expecting you to be the Rambam...yet!
Talk to your Rabbi, talk to your Rabbi,
talk to your Rabbi. Your Rabbi has been there, done that, and has got
the postcard when it comes to Divrei Torah. S/he can offer a wealth of
information and pointers and help you on your way to a great D’var Torah.
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