Why Do We Observe Shavuot by Studying All Night?
Since the Rabbinic period, Shavuot has been tied to the story of the Israelites receiving the Torah at Sinai. Because of this, Shavuot has come to be dedicated to the idea of Torah study and Jewish education.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah – T'rumah: Building a Sacred Space
Parashat T'ruma describes building a mishkan, a sacred space, and the first central praying place in Jewish life. People were asked to give both their skills and their material possessions to build it, and together they created something both beautiful and portable.
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Stories We Tell: The Stolen Smell
Stories We Tell: A Drop of Honey
Stories We Tell: The Brisket
Stories We Tell: Turn Your Shoes Around
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah – T'tzaveh: Does Our Clothing Show Our Identity?
Parashat Tizaveh goes into the elaborate sacred garments worn by kohanim, the priestly class. Ritual and sacred garb in faith communities - Jewish as well as other faiths - can be a source of identity and inspiration, as well as a link to our shared past.