How Do Reform Jews Understand Tishah B’Av?
Why do we celebrate Tu BiShvat, the Jewish “New Year of the Trees,” in the middle of winter?
Tu BiShvat, called the "New Year of the Trees," falls at a seemingly incongruous time of year.
Why is caring for the environment emphasized on Tu BiShvat?
Tu BiShvat is a minor festival whose provenance dates only to the time of the Second Temple. However, the kabbalists who clustered around the great fifteenth-century mystic Isaac Luria of Safed placed great weight on the holiday, creating new festivities, gatherings at which hymns were sung, fruit (particularly carob) was eaten, and four cups of wine were taken (as in the Passover seder).
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Sh'lach L'cha: Facing the Future
When faced with anxiety about the future, how can one persevere as a strong leader? How have we pushed people to the edges of our Jewish communities, and how do we gather them back?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah - Korach: Questionable Intentions
In Jewish history and culture, there has been no shortage of arguments; in fact, the entire Talmud is composed of arguments about some of the most important issues in history.
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.