People don’t always get along. It’s not just a modern problem — it’s a human problem. We are often tired, stressed, or overwhelmed. And when someone cuts us off on the highway, lets their kids run wild in a restaurant,…
Tag: Jewish Ethics
Balak – Blessed and The Source of Blessing
Listen to an audio version Every year we read Parashat Balak and I am utterly amazed. What a remarkably different approach to a reoccurring theme. Many have understood Torah as love letters between Hashem and Israel. In fact the focus…
Korach – In the Manner of a King
The story of Korach’s rebellion against Moses is one of the most dramatic crises of leadership in all of Torah. It’s not simply a political challenge—it’s a spiritual mutiny. Korach and his followers rise up, not because they misunderstand Moses,…
Haftarah Nasso – Leaders We Deserve
I certainly do not want to retell the story of Samson in detail. You know it. You’ve heard it before. You may have even seen or heard any number of dramatizations. Of course, there is the famous 1949 Cecille…
Bechukotai – Peace Within and Without
Listen to an audio version “…you will dwell securely in your land. I will provide peace in the land…” (Vayikra 26:5-6) After the Torah guarantees that we will dwell in our land safely if we observe the mitzvot, it states…
Emor – The Blemished and the Whole
For decades, Western society has been making concerted efforts to be more accepting and inclusive of those who have physical and mental disabilities. This means that accommodations must be made for impediments that have historically restricted people from living fully…
Kedoshim – A Call to Holiness in a Cynical Age
It’s no surprise that many Americans are increasingly skeptical of organized religion. For years, rumors of abuse circulated within Catholic parishes, and when the truth emerged, few were truly shocked. What did shock—and appall—many was the extent of the cover-up…
Tazria – Doctors of the Soul
Listen to an audio version The kohen shall look at the affliction on the skin of the flesh: If the hair in the affliction has changed to white, and the affliction’s appearance is deeper than the skin of the flesh—it…
Yitro – Chosen? For What?
In the classic Broadway musical “Fiddler On the Roof” the main character Tevye the dairyman ironically quips while entreating G-d, “I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else?” In…
Vayetze – The Holy Power of Imagination
We all have the power to imagine. We are endowed by our Creator to also be creative! From the Holy Creative One comes every leaf, every tree, every raindrop and every tear. Through this legacy of creativity we have the…