We often think life is unfair. It helps to look back on our lives and at history. We usually discover that G-d pays His debts. In the end, everything is fair.
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Tetzaveh »
Stones that Open A Heart
This week, we study the vestments worn by the High Priest as he performed his service in the Temple. The High Priest represents the epitome of holiness; he is the closest a human can be to G‑d. Selected to represent the entire nation in prayer, supplication, offering, and song to the Almighty, he embodies divine service. He is G‑d’s servant par excellence, the earthly manifestation of G‑dliness.
His vestments were carefully designed by G‑d down to the finest detail. This is both astounding and fascinating. The Creator of heaven and earth—the designer of endless galaxies, limitless beauty, exquisite depth, and brilliant wisdom—assumed the role of a clothes designer to clothe the High Priest. The product of Divine imagination was breathtaking: a beauty unparalleled in the annals of human design. Read the full story »
Your Body Is a Temple
The Torah whispers a radical idea in our ears: G-d said to Moses: “Make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell in them.” Not “in it,” but “in them” — within the people who build it.
G-d dwells within each of us. Every one of us can become a sanctuary. We can turn our bodies into G-d’s temple.
Make G-d Your Partner
What are your morning rituals? What rituals does G-d want for you? How do they make you G-d’s partner?
The Gift of Being “Extra”
When we are jealous, we measure our value by others’ success. We can’t be like others. We were born to be ourselves. When we accept that limitation, we begin to shine.
Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself
When you trust in G-d, you know that circumstances and people can’t harm you. You have nothing to fear but fear itself.
Why Jews Need An Army
When we want to pray, our minds wander; it is a battle to maintain concentration. When we want to give to charity but feel drawn to use the money for ourselves, we are at war with ourselves. When we struggle with lust, greed, dishonesty, pride, anger, and envy, we are at war.
Fostering Empathy In Our Children
Moses was chosen for his empathy. He learned empathy from his parents. We mold our children into what we model for them. It is our sacred duty to model empathy.
Don’t Waste A Crisis
You can be free wherever you are. Even if your body is incarcerated, your mind and soul can be free.
A Diaspora Blessing that Gives us Courage
Every Friday night, we bless our children with the words, “May G-d make you like Ephraim And Manasseh.” Why them of all people in Jewish history?
Parsha Insights »
Pekudei: Relationships
All relationships are tricky; spouses, siblings, friends, or colleagues, it doesn’t matter. In the course of all relationships, something occurs to make us question the other’s fidelity. Are they really there for us or are they manipulating the relationship for self-gain?
It can be a friend not showing up or a …
Yearly Cycle »
New Year Greeting 5769
It is a new year, which of course, reminds us of new beginnings. At this time rabbis are expected to intone somber words about new resolutions in the context of Judaism, but I want to look elsewhere this year. It is much easier to thrive spiritually when we are gifted …
Concepts »
Ki Tisa: Make Light
Shabbat Candles
Don’t make light of Shabbat. Make light for Shabbat.
A child came home from a Hebrew lesson and told her parents that she wanted to make light for Shabbat by lighting candles. The parents agreed to satisfy her whim and lit candles as the sun set on Friday. As they …
Rabbi’s Desk »
What Can We Do?
These past two days have been the most difficult for our people in the last fifty years. It was Simchat Torah, a time for rejoicing, yet it was a time of horror. Nearly a thousand members of our family were brutally murdered, more than a hundred were taken hostage, and …
