Displaying 1 - 10 of 32
Growth Means Taking Responsibility
Chapter 20 of the biblical book of Numbers could be renamed "The Transition of Leadership." Approaching this chapter, the leadership triumvirate of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam guide the Israelite people based on God's direction. The chapter begins with Miriam's death. After Miriam dies, the people complain about the lack of water. In God's response, Moses and Aaron are told they will not enter the promised land. The first part of this prophecy is brought to fruition at the end of the chapter when Aaron dies.
No One Said This Would Be Easy
The news headlines today are ominous. It seems wherever one looks, there is cause for concern and fear. We are living through a difficult time, where many things that we once believed to be certain now seem to be shifting under our feet.
Transforming Trauma
I was recently introduced to the idea of "Post-Traumatic Growth," (PTG). Originally explored in the mid-1990s, PTG sought to understand "positive outcomes reported by persons who have experienced traumatic events." This theory can help us understand the difference in the reports of the scouts in this week's Torah portion, Sh'lach L'cha, and God's response to the reports.
Watch Your Tone
As a teenager, my mom and I couldn't seem to talk to each other without arguments and yelling. My dad tried to help me understand that there were different ways I could speak to my mother. I wasn't very interested in this feedback, but I think Korach, Datan, and Abiram would have benefited from it in this week's Torah portion.
On the Other Hand: Making Our Community Better for Everyone
This week, we close out the book of Leviticus with Parashat B’chukotai, and learn about the rewards of following the commandments.
Audio file
On the Other Hand: But, Who's Counting
In this week’s Torah portion, Parashat B'midbar, we're commanded to take a census of the “whole Israelite community.” Rabbi Rick Jacobs reflects on a new study from the Jews of Color Field Building Initiative, on what it means to include the “whole” community, including women and Je
Audio file
On the Other Hand: How to Be Generous
In Parashat Lech L’cha, Abraham shows what it means to be a Jewish leader of depth, courage, and generosity.
Audio file
Stories We Tell: When the Clocks Stop
In a town in Eastern Europe many years ago, all of the clocks mysteriously stopped working at the same time. The townspeople tried many different methods, but after years they still couldn’t get the clocks to work again. So, what happens when a clock expert visits the town? Listen to this story, retold by Rabbi Marc Katz, to find out.
Audio file
Wholly Jewish: Tani: We Need Inclusive Jewish Spaces
In this episode: Full of love and laughter, wisdom and wit, Tani Prell Epstein enchants us with her anecdotes and savvy perspectives on how to fully embrace and embody an inclusive Jewish world.
Audio file
Wholly Jewish: Chris: The Blessing of Telling My Stories
In this episode: You may know him as that talented author from ReformJudaism.org, but Chaim Ezra, or Chris Harrison in his byline, is also a bottomless well of Jewish knowledge and wonderful insights as a Jew by Choice, a networker extraordinaire and lover of all things Marvel and marvelous.
Audio file