Displaying 1 - 10 of 51
Will the Real Balaam Please Stand Up?
This week's Torah portion introduces a new character, Balaam, son of Beor. Balaam is presented as a prophet-for-hire who is called upon by rulers to curse their enemies and help them prevail in military battles. This method of battle preparation may seem far removed from current times, yet Balaam has a lot to teach us about how we view others.
Transitions of Leadership: A ‘How to’ Guide from Parashat Pinchas
Global news seems to be filled with stories related to the transition of power and very different models of what that can look like. In the last month alone, we read that the Israeli coalition government was dissolved, the prime minister of the United Kingdom resigned, and the president of Sri Lanka fled the country.
On the Other Side of the Jordan
We read in Parashat Matot of the Israelites defeating the Midianites, and in Parashat Masei, the Israelites' movement since the Exodus are recounted. It seems that we are approaching the climactic scene where the Israelites enter the land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants.
Correcting is Respecting
This week's Torah portion asks us to consider respect. Is it more respectful to allow someone to say something inaccurate, or is it more respectful to correct them?
Stories We Tell: Made to Hug
The Torah is always written on a scroll. Why is that? Why isn't it written in the sky or on the trees for everyone to see an admire? It turns out that the scroll is the perfect shape for one special reason.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah -- Yitro: Courageous Leadership
In this episode of On the Other Hand, Rabbi Jacobs talks with Rabbi Judy Schindler. They discuss Parashat Yitro, expanding the tent of Jewish life, the legacy passed down by her father, social justice activism, and Rabbi Schindler's bo
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Wholly Jewish: Kelly: I Have a Right to Be Here
In this episode: Non-binary and Black and Queer and Lover of Camp. Fiercely proud and powerful Kelly Whitehead narrates how she navigates the world while encompassing their multitude of “ands””. This is instead of the current “Woman and Black and Queer and Lover of Camp. Fiercely proud and powerful Kelly Whitehead narrates how she navigates the world while encompassing her multitude of “ands”.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah -- P'kudei: Spirituality and Art
Art exists beyond the binary of rational and irrational. Art has the ability to reshape our perspectives on our world - which is precisely why great artists have designed synagogues, museums, and other sacred spaces - including... the mishkan, the Israelite's portable ark.
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On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah -- Ki Tisa: Just Rest
Parashat Ki Tisa features what is arguably one of Judaism’s most powerful teachings: no matter how busy you are, and no matter how important the task at hand is, you must rest.
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Stories We Tell: What is Permanent?
How do you act when your friend hurts your feelings? How do you remember when your friend helps you out?
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