Articles tagged with: unity
Naso: Who Is the Misfit Anyway?
A Deeper Meaning
The first verse of this Parsha, tells us to “raise the head of the tribal family Gershon”. In addition to the simple meaning of the words, “raise the heads,” which means take a census; there is a deeper meaning that lies submerged beneath the text. With a little …
B’Midbar: Everyone Counts
The Census
During the forty years of our ancestors’ journey across the dessert their census was taken a total of four times, one of which is recorded in this week’s Parsha.
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B’har: Sabbatical – An Expression of Faith
Sabbatical
Would you enjoy taking a full sabbatical every seven years? You could relax, travel, study and spend quality time with your family.Would you enjoy it if your entire country took a sabbatical every seven years?
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B’har: Unity in Action
Shemitah and Sinai
Our Parsha outlines the laws of shemitah, agricultural sabbatical. “Six years you shall sow your crop and on the seventh the field shall lie fallow.” During the seventh year all produce that grows spontaneously must be equally shared among all people. There may be no private ownership of …
Tetzave: Every Jew Counts
Change of Attire
I once worked for a man whose personality changed as often as his attire. At the office he exuded a sense of competence and leadership, his manner as crisp as his professional attire. At home he exuded friendship and camaraderie, his manner as relaxed as his casual attire.
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Korach: Frigid Divisiveness
Apathetic Frostbite
The Baal Shem Tov taught that a Jew must utilize every encounter to gain inspiration inhis or her divine service. One winter day, the Baal Shem Tov’s students noticed a cross engraved in a sheet of ice and asked their rabbi what inspiration might be derived from a cross. …
A Modern Chanukah Story
During the course of this week Jews around the world celebrate the holiday of Chanukah. Chanukah means so many things to so many people. To some it is a spiritual opportunity for reflection and introspection; to reflect upon the historical origin of the holiday and its relevance to modern day …
Vayigash: Love among Brothers
Josef and His Brothers
“And He called out ‘Remove everyone from before me’ and there remained no one with them when he revealed himself to his brothers… And he said, I am Joseph your brother whom you sold into Egypt.” Two questions present themselves a) why did he call for everyone …