Word Prompt – CHULENT – Ann Koffsky
Chulent shows that while our Torah is structured and dictates how and when we cook and how and when we eat, we still have enormous creative choices within its framework.
Word Prompt – MOED – Yisroel Picker
The intention is that Israel will be redeemed by the Torah in body and soul and mind to be entirely holy, and that the general correction will be over.
Word Prompt – SARAH – Sarah Pachter
Hashem holds our deposits, ready for redemption at a later time. Hashem remembers our deeds even when we forget them.
Word Prompt – SEVEN – Chaim Saiman
There is little consensus on how the Torah’s social vision should apply to our present condition, whether viewed in terms of tilling the soil or understanding what Shemittah means in an economy that runs on high tech rather than agriculture.
Word Prompt – MIRIAM – Rachel Tuchman
Empowerment: She empowered the women to take an active role in the community, recognizing their value and potential.
Word Prompt – MORNING – Reader Response: David Hoffman
I contemplate how I am doing as a husband, father, son, brother, friend and Jew. I replay yesterday and see where I could improve for today.
Word Prompt – GLASS – Martin Bodek
Did you know that nature creates glass all the time? It can form when lightning strikes sand, when meteorites impact the earth, and when volcanoes spew molten rock that rapidly cools.
Word Prompt – JUDAICA – Solly Hess
The Judaica items around us can either be inanimate relics that turn sections of our living rooms into mini-museums, or they can be used as intended – keepers of our heritage that remind us of a full and storied past while propelling our history forward.
Word Prompt – POPSICLE – Anat Coleman
I looked for other ways to support Israel and one of those ways became buying Israeli products. I've been looking for those watermelon popsicles with candy seeds but to no avail. If you do come across them, please let me know.
Word Prompt – SHUL – Yonatan Milevsky
Literary evidence from the time of the Second Temple, such as the works of Josephus and Philo, and even archeology, indicates that it was a place of instruction and learning.
Word Prompt – MELECH – Shlomo Litvin
Perhaps it's a benefit to us that we can't see real kings today. It allows us to strengthen our desire, so as we gather in shul this year, we not only crown Hashem as our melech...
Word Prompt – SLICHA – Inna Vernikov
Slicha takes on a different significance during Yom Kippur when we are reminded that not one human exists without fault.
Word Prompt – CHACHMA – Shmuel Phillips
On some occasions chachma-related teachings appear downright bizarre: say to wisdom – you are my sister. While chachma bagoyim ta’amin (you can accept that non-Jews have wisdom), wisdom of the Greeks remains strictly off-limits.
Word Prompt – YITZCHAK – Anat Coleman
Over these past few weeks, with the loss of so many lives and the fates of so many others unknown, it's been a challenge and struggle to laugh.
Word Prompt – SANCTUARY – Sari Kopitnikoff
What if we approached our fellow person in distress with the same amount of thought and consideration? What if we took time to think about the recommended guidelines instead of just saying or doing what popped into our minds?
Word Prompt – EMES – Zolly Claman
Isn’t it ironic that Am Yisrael can’t agree on how to pronounce the word emes – or is it emet? It’s a small detail,...
Word Prompt – HOPE – Shlomo Zuckier
For generations, a Jewish state in Eretz Yisrael was the great hope – Hatikvah – of countless Jews. In 1948, that hope was realized. Yet, hope did not end there – Od lo avda tikvateinu – nor did the challenges.
Word Prompt – SHEVATIM – Keshet Starr
In many ways, the twelve tribes are a beautiful symbol of Jewish unity; twelve different groups within a larger nation, each contributing in their own way.
Word Prompt – CHAI – Shoshana Wizenfeld
I think many people have that moment when they realize suddenly, profoundly, that life is not forever. For me, that realization hit when I...
Word Prompt – RISHON – Ziona Greenwald
Being first is usually considered a good thing – first come, first served and all that.
Word Prompt – HEEL – Solly Hess
During the Kedusha prayer, I abandon gravity as much as I can. We lift up off our heels several times upwards to intensify our dedication to G-d. For me, the need to release my illusion of control is critical.
Word Prompt – TRADITION – Anat Coleman
At the height of the pandemic, for example, New Yorkers came together in a new tradition of making noise at 7 p.m. each evening in support of our essential workers.