What Is the Body Language of Prayer?
As a teenager, I had the unique experience of participating in a joint Reform/Orthodox retreat up at OSRUI, our URJ camp in Wisconsin. I remember walking over to the Orthodox service after the Reform service had ended and seeing one of the participants standing in front of the congregation, barefoot, with a tallit over his head and his hands spread wide. I learned that I had seen a ritual sometimes called Birkat Kohanim (the Priestly Benediction or Priestly Blessing). ...The origins of this ritual come from this week's portion, Sh'mini.
It’s Important To See the Whole Person, Not Just the Illness
I’ve never had great knees, but this was a bit much. At 32 years old, I was limping around, struggling to go up and down stairs, and just feeling terrible about it. Thankfully, surgery and physical therapy helped and I have long since recovered. The most important lesson I learned from my bad knees is one that I see reflected in this week’s Torah portion. Parashat Tazria-M’tzora teaches us about our physicality; its focus is on the skin, hair, fluids, and organs that make up our bodies. We learn how out of our control those things can be and we gain some insight into our relationships with those entrusted with our care.
Committing Ourselves to the Actions Required for Full Inclusion
At its best, the Torah can lift up humanity, reminding us of our place in the continually unfolding story of God’s Creation of the world and our role in the hopeful journey toward freedom. At its worst, it can serve as a tool for domination, oppression, hatred, and all that is base and vile within the human soul. As a gay man, I approached this week’s Torah portion, Acharei Mot-K'doshim, with a fair amount of trepidation.
How Can Social Isolation Lead to Illumination?
Lech L'cha for Tweens: New Names for Abram and Sarai
We can learn from Abraham's example by facing our insecurities and deciding that changes we need to make in our own lives. Read ideas and questions for discussing Lech L'cha with your tweens.
Lech L'cha for Tweens: Our Journeys
Learn about Abraham in this guide about Lech L'cha made just for tweens!
Lech L'cha for Tweens: Pidyon Shvuyim
In this edition of Torah for Tweens, learn about what kinds of families and family dynamics are in the book of B'reishit. What can these relationships teach us about our own families?
Lech L'cha for Tweens: Let Your Ears Hear What Your Tongue Speaks
Discover the story of Abraham with your tween in this edition of Torah for Tweens.
Vayeira for Tweens: Three Messengers
According to Vayeira, creation and history belong together. Learn more in this helpful guide designed for tweens!
Vayeira for Tweens: Sarah Rejects Ishmael
The Family. What kinds of families and family dynamics do we find in the book of B'reishit? What can these relationships teach us about our own families?