On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Balak: How Does a Curse become a Blessing?
Parashat Balak teaches us to draw strength and inspiration from everyone around us. We read the story of how the Moabite King Balak tried, and failed, to destroy the Jewish people with the help of his sorcerer Balaam.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Pinchas: Religious Extremism
In this week’s Torah portion, we read the story of Pinchas who kills an Israelite out of zealous belief. There are many who equate “people of faith” with zealotry, doing anything to ensure the continuation of a religion or peoplehood.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Matot Ma-sei: Life is a Journey, Not a Destination
You have probably heard the saying that life is a journey and not a destination, but what exactly does that mean? Wherever we go in life, we are constantly meeting new people, experiencing new things, and exploring new places. Even if something seems like a destination, like landing a
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - D'varim: Leaving the Comfort Zone
Parashat D’varim, the opening portion of Deuteronomy, encourages us as individuals, congregations, and communities to avoid getting stuck in one way of thinking. Though there is comfort in the familiar, sticking to the status quo inhibits innovation.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Va-et’chanan: What is the Essence of Judaism?
Ten is an important number in Jewish tradition, and in this parashah we read the second telling of the Ten Commandments. Though many consider the essence of Judaism to be the Ten Commandments, they aren’t necessarily the most important of the 613 commandments.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Eikev: Entiltement vs Gratitude
It’s natural for people who have much more than what they need to spend time thinking about the things that they do not have, rather than being thankful. In many of our lives, there is an extremely prominent divide between those who have more than they need, and those who struggle.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - R’eih: Fighting Poverty
In life, we are often tasked with a blessing and a curse. In Parashat R’eih, we are reminded to always look at the blessings and the curses in front of us.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayigash: Putting Judah in Judaism
Do you ever wonder why Judaism is called Judaism? This week’s parashah, Vayigash, has an answer. This is the moment when Joseph and his brothers, including Judah, dramatically reconnect, and Judah demonstrates a deep caring for his people.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Mikeitz: Fighting Darkness with Light
Even though the miracle of the oil wasn’t an original part of the Hanukkah story, it has become one of the most enduring narratives in modern Judaism.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayishlach: Healing a Negative Relationship
Have you ever dreaded seeing a friend or family member that you don’t get along with, only to end up having a positive experience? After twenty years away from home, Jacob dreads his reunion with Esau, but our text teaches the two end up embracing and healing their tumultuous relationship.