Vayakhel-Pikudei. Together and Apart
In our world, we have socialism on the one hand and anarchism on the other. Neither of these align with the spirit of Torah...
Teruma. Hypocrisy
There is no hypocrisy in being ashamed of our weaknesses ... the all-important thing is to strive continually to improve ...
Tetzave. Do Aesthetics Matter?
Beauty is a value in Judaism aesthetics are only good as long as they carve a path to God. First, aesthetics can become a god in itself...
Mishpatim. Choosing Slavery! - The Burden of Freedom.
Servitude is living in a regimented, closed environment, where success and failure are clear and simple. The free world with its myriad choi
Vayechi. The Miracles that Surround Us
"Earning a livelihood is greater than redemption": Usually we see divine protection (a.k.a redemption) in the hands of God, beyond
Vayigash. Embarrassment. Judaism's Fourth Cardinal Sin
Murder is a one-time act, but to shame a person is to commit murder over and over.
Miketz. Stockpile Your Blessings!
If bad times can be anticipated, the good times might offer some perspective and resilience.
Vayeshev. When Communication Fails
Israelis often pride themselves in being direct. In Israeli slang, this is called speaking “doogri”, straight talk. Is this good?
Vayishlach. Insignificant Verses - Really?
Maimonides, addressing the divinity of the Torah, says that the verse "Timna was a concubine" is equivalent to "Shema Yisrael!
Vayetze: The Value of Self-Doubt
Because we are only human - like Jacob - we always have a choice to live up to our values or to fall short. We may never become complacent.
