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Insights Into Torah and Contemporary Life
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WHEN FANATICISM GOES UNCHECKED (Parshat Pinchas)
Judaism does not support fanaticism! The Talmud and commentaries question and place Pinchas' zealotry into a very limited scope, if it was permitted. Thoughts on the Three Weeks and the work we must do to rectify the ills that led to the destruction of the Second Temple.
THE TWO-WAY JOURNEY CONNECTING THE MUNDANE AND THE HOLY (Parshat Balak)
According to Pirkei Avot, God created 10 things in the twilight period (“bein hashmashot”) between the 6th Day & Shabbat, including the donkey of Bilam. Why did God "wait" until the last minute? Thoughts on the need to bridge the holy and mundane in order to change the world.
CELEBRATING EVERYDAY MIRACLES (Parshat Chukat)
We often forget the daily gifts that God gives us: our health, family, friends and so much more. What can we do to be more aware of these "mundane" miracles (which are just as important as the epic ones)? My thoughts on the parsha and the genius of prayer.
WHAT IS OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE HOLINESS OF THE JEWISH PEOPLE? (Parshat Sh'lach / Parshat Korach)
In Parshat Shelach and Parshat Korach we have rebellions against God. What are the differences between them? What did Korach get right and what did he get wrong? Thoughts inspired by Rabbi Soloveitchik on the responsibility to harness holiness impacting our legacy and society.
THE RUPTURE BETWEEN THE TREES OF LIFE & KNOWLEDGE: THE SIN OF THE MEKOSHESH EITZIM (Parshat Sh'lach)
Why does the Torah tell the story of an anonymous Jew desecrating Shabbat? What is its connection with the incident involving the Meraglim? Why does Rabbi Akiva feel the need to identify this "mekoshesh eitzim"? Let's explore the Kabbalistic messages of this five-verse narrative.
LOSING OUR YOUTH: THE MISTAKES IN SEFER BAMIDBAR THAT CONTINUE TO PLAGUE US
Which actions and events derailed our march with destiny to the Promised Land? Do we continue to behave in a manner that deters us from achieving our national spiritual goals and challenges our youth from seeing the riches of our heritage? Thoughts on the Book of Bamidbar.