Displaying 21 - 24 of 24
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: From Curses to Blessings - Parashat Balak
Sometimes the darkest moments bring out the light and opportunities arise for adversaries to become advocates. This week, in Parashat Balak, we learn about King Balak, who fears the Israelites and decides to have them cursed. Balak’s hired soothsayer tries to curse the Israelites three times, but the words that come forth are a wonderful surprise, which can inspire us all.
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Wholly Jewish: Amanda: Identities, Politics, and Spiritual A-Ha Moments
In this episode: Who runs the world? Chances are high that soon it will be Amanda Ryan, a Nebraskan Latina community bridge builder.
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Stories We Tell: The Wooden Sword
Once, there was a king who set out on a mission in his kingdom to learn about his reputation. He travelled from town to town and eventually met a happy old man and his wife. After asking them why they were so joyous, they replied, “God takes care of us.” The king was furious—it’s him who takes care of the people, not God! What the man and his wife do next teach everyone in the kingdom, including the king, what it means to be taken care of. Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, the rabbi at Reform Temple of Forest Hills retells the story. For a written version, see “The Wooden Sword” in The Jewish Story Finder by Sharon Barcan Elswit.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayeishev: Making an Impact
Many of us know the story of Jacob and Esau, the brothers who could not be more different from one another.
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