Av 4, 5777, 7/27/2017
 Raising the lightsMany of us focus on what is missing in the other, rather than the opposite. Such an approach can never meet with lasting success. Individual sparksEvery Jew counts. For Jerusalem Day: And G-d heard their criesOur prayers were answered. Navigating a circuitous roadLife Lessons from the Torah Portion, Parshat Shemini Leviticus 9:1–11:47. The ashes: Life lessons from the Torah portionThe hyper active pre-Pesach activity and the zeal hints at something much deeper going on. Doing is growingLIfe lessons from the Torah reading. Parshat Tetzaveh: Pure oilLife lessons from the parsha. Terumah: YearningLife Lessons from the Torah Portion. ImmersionLife lessons from the Torah Portion: Parshat Mishpatim Exodus 21:1–24:18 Seeing the voicesLife Lessons from the Torah Portion. In the midst of nightLife Lessons from the Torah Portion. Recognizing loving-kindnessLife Lessons from the Torah Portion. Take your shoes off your feet ”Life Lessons from the Torah Portion, Shemot Exodus 1:1 - 6:1 The character of a lionLife Lessons from the Torah Portion Painful truths in a Rashi commentaryLife Lessons from the Torah Reading. Changing the world through JacobLife Lessons from the Torah Reading. Palestinian pyromaniaThe struggle over the land in biblical times and today reached the point where self-defeating destruction was the action preferred by our enemies.Life Lessons From the Torah Portion: If not now, when?Now is the time for action. Life lessons from the weekly portion: Faithfulness and faithG-d is sending a message in this period of world upheaval. Listen to it. The lonely walk of faithOne person, on a walk of faith. Life lessons from the Torah readingThe Garden of Life. Colliding worldsThere are two philosophies at life warring with each other. The good landMoses makes a surprising statement. Consistency and constancyOne verse and sacrifice truly describes and underscores the greatest framework of spiritual life without which that life begins to wither and die. Serpents and wellsHIdden or revealed, G-d is with us. Why incense?What power did the incense have?The courage to break through"The complacency of the fools (Shalvat Kesillimi) shall cause them to perish" ( Proverbs 1:32). The wilderness and Jerusalem DayFrom within the stillness and quietude of the wilderness much is heard.Bechukotai (Israel): Purposeful walkingThe verb "walking" appears in various places.Like a mountainThe public nature of the revelation at Sinai is an important feature of our belief. "This is the day Hashem fashioned, we shall sing and rejoice thereon"The blossoming of destiny tells the Jews to "come home!" The joy of the promiseWhat keeps the Jewish people vibrant and hopeful throughout the ages?Humble and strongThe true meaning of humility.A guide to the malady that healsAnother level of understanding when it comes to slander. Broken and wholeWhy are we those who "know" teruah?Coming closeThere are times we need to be empowered to break away from the “ashes” of the past in order to achieve greater and newer things.Hearing the callA developing process of revelation.A Bell and a PomegranateWhy did the High Priest have bells and pomegranates at the hem of his robes?The wise-hearted who built the TabernacleWhat characterized those who came to help build the Tabernacle? Empty SpacesIf one loses the ability or the desire to see Hashem working within and without one’s lives, the space becomes void and empty.The Nachshon ModelWho has enough faith to take the first step?Preparing for the journeyWhy is Moshe talking about sheep and cattle?The process of redemptionFour steps, each important. Emotional TurmoilAn emotionally incisive look at the reasons Joseph did not contact his father earlier.To own up is to growWe need to acknowledge the source of our strength and stand firm on our ideals while admitting our errors. In so doing we will achieve our ultimate purpose. The Hand of EsauOne cannot be understanding of evil because in the end that evil will overwhelm the good-hearted. Bands of angelsThe language of the angels of Israel. A Parent's LoveWhy Isaac loved Esau and Rebecca loved Jacob.."Being" a blessingExplaining an unusual construct in this week's Torah reading. Beyond the starsG-d is telling us to look beyond fate with the eyes of faith. ShortcutsG-d showed us that we must concentrate on the process not just the goal. Entering the Sukkah with Body and SoulAfter the Yom Kippur fast, we return home and eat something to replenish our bodies. Yet our souls yearn for more. Nitzavim: Standing Here on this DayWe are all standing upright with the readiness and anticipation to move forward. |
