Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Navigating the Book of Leviticus
It All Depends: Finding the Middle of the Torah
Finding the midpoint in the Torah has long been a matter of considerable debate. Some scholars say the middle of the Torah falls in this portion, Parashat Tzav. But the answer to the question, where is the middle of the Torah, depends on many mathematical, theological, and phylosophical factors.
The 13 Middot: God Is Ethical and So Are We
The Torah reading for Chol HaMo-eid Pesach includes the 13 Attributes of God. The Eternal One passes before Moses and proclaims (according to the prayer book version of the passage): “Adonai, Adonai, a God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and faithfulness, extending kindness to the thousandth generation, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and granting pardon” (Mishkan T’filah, [NY: CCAR, 2007], p. 496). Here, God self-describes as an ethical being.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - T’tzaveh: Protecting Our Planet and Other Sacred Spaces
In the opening of parashat T’tzaveh, the eternal light reminds us that as we construct our places of worship, we must honor our role as stewards of the earth, and offer a hospitality that allows all of us to participate with dignity. What makes our prayer spaces sacred?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Ki Tisa: Are You My Idol?
If you think about idolatry in the Torah, you might think about Parashat Ki Tisa, where in their restlessness, the Israelites built a golden calf.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayak’heil-P’kudei: What Makes a Space Sacred?
In Parashat Vayak’heil-P’kudei, the Israelites build the tabernacle in the middle of the desert, and because it is built from their heart, with their hands, the presence of God comes to dwell in that space.
Episode 3: Unplugged with Alan Goodis – Featuring Shira Kline
Enjoy live acoustic performances, interviews, and conversation about songwriting, song leading, and music making hosted by well-known musician Alan Goodis. The podcast is perfect for music lovers, camp song leaders,
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Vayikra: When Torah Meets Theater
Parashat Vayikra is filled with drama. It can be gory and, at times, inexplicable. To help us understand exactly what unfolds in this active and high-stakes parashah, Rabbi Jacobs is joined by award winning playwright Michele Lowe.
Does God Have a Plan for You?
After receiving bad news or experiencing a tragic event, people will sometimes respond with the words, "It's God's will." There's even a Yiddish phrase that captures the idea, "It's bashert," meaning it was meant to be.
How Shall We Bless Those Who Come After Us?
According to Jewish tradition, on the eve of Shabbat and holidays, before reciting kiddush, parents bless their children.