Stories We Tell: What it Takes to Get in
High Moral Standards for Our Leaders, and Ourselves
We hold our leaders in government, sports, entertainment, and religion to high standards both in performing their duties and in exhibiting good behavior. But is it right for us to scrutinize their behavior outside their realms of responsibility? Parashat T’tzaveh says, “yes.”
Can We Have a Relationship with God?
In Ki Tisa, Moses, begs God to let him understand the Divine. And yet, we see Moses as having more access to God than any other man. If Moses cannot comprehend God, how can we hope to understand God’s ways?
Too Much of a Good Thing?
In Vayak’heil/P’kudei, the people bring so many contributions to build the Tabernacle that Moses turns some of the gifts away. Is it ever right to limit contributions that are gifts from the heart?
Gifts That Bring Us Close to God
The Book of Leviticus opens with a detailed description of the sacrificial offerings brought by the ancient Israelites. One remnant of these practices is the importance of our intentions when we enter into prayer. Like the Israelite who brought an offering without blemish, we should strive to bring our prayers without blemish, too.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Under the Sky - Parashat Vayeishev
In this week's Torah portion, as Joseph searches for his brothers, he also seeks the shalom (peace) that comes with rebuilding their relationship. How can we, too, find shalom through connecting with one another?
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: The Meaning of Our Miracle - Parashat Mikeitz
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Formed in the Wilderness - Parashat Vayigash
This week, Rabbi Rick Jacobs sits with Jeremy Fingerman, CEO of The Foundation for Jewish Camp, to discuss the impact and benefit that Jewish summer camp has on so many young people.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: Born to Lead, Born to Serve - Parashat Sh'mot
This week, as we move into the book of Exodus, we transition from learning about Joseph to learning about another Jewish leader: Moses.
On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah: The Jewishness of Healing
In the closing portion of the book of Genesis, Joseph finds out his father is ill.