Articles in Life Is Beautiful
Take The Entire Day Off
I was walking with a friend, one Shabbat, and as we reached the crosswalk, he bent to push the button to stop the traffic. I reminded him it was Shabbat, when we don’t use electronics. Instead, I suggested we relax patiently and chat until the light changes. It was Shabbat …
The Leap of Trust
We usually talk about a leap of faith. Today, I want to discuss a much harder concept: a leap of trust.
The name of the Parshah we read this week is Chukat. There are three types of commandments: (A) Mishpatim, commandments that make sense to us. We would likely have drawn …
The Best Life Advice
This week, we read about the spies that Moses sent to inspect Israel ahead of the Jews’ arrival. The story begins like this: “And G-d spoke to Moses, saying, send people for yourself, and they will inspect the land of Canaan that I will give to the children of Israel” …
Make Your Desert Bloom
Every year, we read a Torah portion called Bamidbar—in the desert—on the Shabbat before Shavuot. This portion describes the census of the Jews in the desert. Just as we count forty-nine days and then celebrate Shavuot, so should we read about the counting of the Jews and then celebrate Shavuot.
This …
Good People in A Rotten System
The weeks leading up to Passover were incredibly hectic for me, and I didn’t have time to follow the news. Several weeks in, I realized that I was much more relaxed as a result. The news cycle is so filled with negativity that it seeps into our bones and mindset. …
You Are Good
This week, we read about the vestments worn by the priests and high priests. An elegant tunic, topped by a flowing robe with golden tassels was girded by a majestic sash and adorned by a fashionable apron and a diamond-studded breastplate. A golden forehead plate and a beautiful turban headdress …
Pointers on Hospitality
This week, we read about Abraham’s hospitality, a story that offers many beautiful lessons.
Let me begin by pointing out how profound this Mitzvah is. Abraham was visited by G-d Himself when the angels showed up. Abraham did not know they were angels; to him, they looked like ordinary humans. Yet, …
