In Search Of Jewish Identity
As Jews became defined by religion, Christians could work to convert them--You can change your religion but you cannot change your race
The Power Of Shame
Social media brought about a return to an ancient phenomenon, public shaming providing us a way of understanding the otherwise bewildering phenomenon of tsara’at,
The Sign Of The Covenant
The sedrah of Tazria begins with the law of circumcision Why this physical mark on the flesh? What does it tell us about the nature of Jewish identity?
To Eat, Or Not To Eat
What is the logic of kashrut? And why are they placed here in parshat Shemini? AND what is their connection with the sanctuary?
Understanding Sacrifice
What was sacrifice in Judaism and why does it remain important, at least as an idea, even today?
On The Move
Like our bodies, our souls were not made for sitting still. We were made for moving, learning, searching, striving, growing
The Sabbath: First Or Last Day?
For G-d, the Sabbath was the last day of the week; for human beings, it was the first.
The Closeness Of God
The paradox of Jewish spirituality: No religion holds God higher, but none feels Him closer
The Gift Of Giving
Why did God command Israel to make a sanctuary for Him? Shouldn't it be unnecessary? The Golden Calf
Doing And Hearing
The only way to understand life is by living itL "Na’aseh venishma//We will do and we will obey.”
The Spiritual Child
Moses prepares the Israelites for freedom by discussing-children, several times in the parsha
Spirits In A Material World
God is found in this world, not just the next. To grow spiritually, first satisfy material needs.
Turning Curses Into Blessings
Jewish history isn't just Jews enduring catastrophes but renewing themselves after every disaster
On Not Predicting The Future
HaShem wanted the Israelites to become a living testimony to the power of freedom.
Reframing
Joseph reframed his entire past, now understanding himself charged with a life-saving mission by God
Changing And Growing: Judah Sets The Standard
t was not Joseph but Judah who conferred his identity on the people; Judah who became the ancestor of Israel’s greatest king, David; Judah from whom the messiah will be born. Why Judah and not Joseph? The answer undoubtedly lies in the beginning of Parshat Vayigash,
Do Not Shame: Tamar’s Righteous Lesson
Tamar realizes Judah has no intention of giving her his last son. Now trapped-an agunah-she acts
Jacob’s Justifiable Distress
“Jacob was very afraid and distressed.” His fear was physical-fear of death. His distress was moral.
A Father’s Love
It's not difficult understanding why Rebecca loved Jacob, the real question's why Isaac loved Esau?
The Almighty’s Supreme Call To Man
Torah is neither a book of history nor science, it is, first and last, a book about how to live.
The Universality Of Sukkot
Sukkot's the only festival sharing the pilgrimage cycle & part of Tishrei sequence-hence, double JOY
Torah As Song
“We received Torah from Moses” or “from our parents” isn't enough. We must write our "own" scroll
The Pursuit Of Joy
Happiness is not the central value of the Torah. Occurring ten times more is the word "simcha," JOY
To The Third And Fourth Generations
If we parents fail to honor responsibilities then society’s children will pay the price for our sins
The Hope And Promise Of Prophecy
Moshe wasn't the last of the prophets. How would Israel discern his true successors from the false?
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