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Insights Into Torah and Contemporary Life
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FACING DOWN A WORLD POWER: SPIRITUAL RESISTANCE AND FIGHTING EVIL (Parshat Shemot)
The Arks of Moshe and Noach: so similar yet so STRIKINGLY different. When facing evil and tyranny, we face the test of "fight or flight". Come explore the qualities of leadership found in each of us and developed in Parshat Shemot.
OUR ROLE IN THIS WORLD: CREATING LIGHT AND MAGNIFYING GOD (Parshat Vaera)
The Talmud tells us when the Jewish people are in exile, God is in exile as well.
But the flip side is also true. As Rav Kook taught, when the Jewish People create light in this world through the observance of the mitzvot, then God’s presence is magnified.
ARE WE MANAGING OUR TIME OR IS TIME MANAGING US? (Parshat Bo)
Our schedules are uncertain and our time depends upon factors that are beyond our control. We juggle our work obligations and personal responsibilities around our kids or the needs of our elderly parents. Are we managing our time, or is our time managing us?
ADDING HARMONY TO THE SONG: ONE PEOPLE, MULTIPLE CHORDS (Parshat Beshalach)
Chazal teach that when the Jewish people crossed Yam Suf, they crossed through 12 different paths. Even when we’re all on the same journey, we must all find our own path. We are all part of a symphony, working together toward creating a collective composition.
TOM BRADY, YITRO AND THE DECISION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE (Parshat Yitro)
We all have the opportunity to make a difference. But first, we must resolve to fully actualize our God-given potential and ignore negative assessments of us by others.
"AND THESE ARE THE LAWS": CONNECTING SINAI WITH EVERYDAY LIVING (Parshat Mishpatim)
This year I am reading Parshat Mishpatim with sadness. I ask myself in front of all of you: re we fulfilling the mandate to create a just and civil society? We who set ourselves to be the most committed to Judaism continue to flout safety measures that were enacted to save lives.
THE DIALECTIC OF PURIM: FIGHTING AMALEK AND VALUING EVERY HUMAN LIFE (Parshat Terumah / Parshat Zachor)
An important dialectic of Purim is, on the one hand, the responsibility of defending the nation against sworn enemies - the evil ideology of Amalek. At the same time, we have a responsibility to value every human life and promote peace and community.
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS STANDING STILL (Parshat Tetzaveh)
Why is a ramp, not stairs, required for the Kohen's ascending the Mizbe'ach? Within this architecture is the guidance in how to ensure that there's no such plateauing in our closest relationships: with Hashem, our spouse, children, grandchildren and community.
HOPE THAT EMERGES FROM TRAGEDY (Parshat Ki Tisa)
Out of tragedy comes renewed and sometimes even improved existence. The challenge is to seize new opportunities to improve society, better ourselves and to become more invested in the world around us.
THE CLOUD OF CLARITY IN A WORLD OF DOUBT (Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei)
I have always wondered why it is that throughout the Torah, the word “Anan”, which connotes confusion and lack of clarity, is used to represent the imminence of God’s Presence. Explore with me for a possible answer.