Articles in Uncategorized
Toldot: Rebirth
Rebirth means to reexperience the novelty, excitement, innocence, mystery, and magic of birth even after many years of life. A baby’s birth, such as that of Jacob and Esau described in this week’s Torah portion, is a majestic moment. Everyone present is enchanted by the miracle; the creation of something …
Vaetchanan: The Full Moon
This Shabbat will be special because the full moon will shine on Friday night. The full moon occurs every month but is most important in the month of Av. The Temple’s destruction on the ninth day of this month was the low point in Jewish history. At that time, it …
Devarim: It Is Not About You
Olympics
Two things drastically different events are taking place this week. Jews around the world are mourning the Temple that was destroyed in 69 BCE and Olympians from around the world are competing for gold medals. What is the connection between them? Both have learned the secret to life: It is …
Bamidbar Give and Take
Give and Take in Life
When my great aunt was a little girl she lived in a large apartment. Times were difficult, many of her family’s friends were homeless and she was routinely asked to give up her bed for someone in need. One day she complained to her father about …
Shavuot: Torah and Golf
The Parallels
A number of my friends are avid golfers. Over coffee one day they tried to explain to me some aspects of the game’s attraction. At first I didn’t get it but as I listened to them I noticed that at times their voices carried almost spiritual undertones. Suddenly, I …
Vayishlach: Donors and Recipents
I am Great
Thirty-six years after Esau vowed to murder his brother for stealing his blessings, Jacob and Esau met up. Expecting a violent engagement, Jacob sent a lavish peace offering in advance of the meeting, but when they finally met, Esau greeted him cordially and offered to return the gift. …
Vayetze: Building A Home
Three Places of Worship
Abraham Isaac and Jacob all served G-d on what would one day be the Temple Mount. Abraham called it a mountain, Isaac called it a field and Jacob called it a home.[1]
