Wednesday, October 30 2024
Rashi: An Introduction
A Primer for a New Year of Torah Studies
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, known as Rashi, a celebrated eleventh-century sage, authored the most authoritative commentary on the Torah. This lesson introduces students to the rich world of scholarship dedicated to his work. This year, embark on a fascinating journey into Rashi's profound insights and timeless wisdom.
Wednesday, November 6 2024
Global Reach, Local Concern
Never Too Big to Care for Those Closest to You
It's a common trap: achieving global influence while forgetting family and friends. Avraham's name change associated with his promotion from local chieftain to world leader teaches us to avoid this pitfall and remember the importance of those nearest to us.
Wednesday, November 13 2024
A Jewish Take on Hospitality
Inviting Guests: Greater than Seeing G-d Himself
Judaism places immense value on hospitality. The Torah recounts how Avraham paused his Divine encounter to welcome travelers. Explore the logic behind this seemingly exaggerated graciousness and its profound implications.
Wednesday, November 20 2024
What Do You Love about Israel?
It’s More than Falafel and the IDF
Polls show Jews worldwide love the Holy Land, but what makes it so special? A close analysis of Rashi’s comments on Abraham’s conversation with his butler reveals a critical, often overlooked idea about the love for Israel.
Wednesday, November 27 2024
It’s Not So Good to Be a Goodie-Goodie
The Beauty of ‘The Struggle’
Would you choose to be free of all negative temptation? A close study of two sets of twins in Genesisâ€"Jacob and Esau, along with Peretz and Zerach–argues that the answer should be "No!" Discover the value of struggling against temptation.
Wednesday, December 4 2024
Jacob’s Moral Dilemma
Don’t Be Pious at Someone Else’s Expense
Marrying two sisters was forbidden, but so was crushing someone’s feelings. Jacob faced a tough choice and prioritized his values, teaching an eternal lesson about balancing piety with compassion.
Wednesday, December 11 2024
Broaden Your Horizons
What an Ancient Sage’s Travels Teach about Exploring New Ideas
Rabbi Akiva, one of the greatest sages, was also an explorer. Learn why this pious scholar traveled to learn about other cultures and what it teaches us about embracing new ideas.
Wednesday, December 18 2024
Keep Climbing
Trajectory Is All That Matters
Who builds a city on a mountain slope? An ancient Mesopotamian city captures a key Jewish tenet: two people can be on the same slope but moving in different directions. The lesson? Always aim for the upward trajectory.
Wednesday, December 25 2024
‘Take the First Step. I’ll Do the Rest’
One Small Step of Man, One Giant Step from G-d
Why must we put in effort if G-d is the one doing everything? Explore the purpose of our efforts and where our work ends and G-d’s begins, through the story of Chanukah.
Wednesday, January 1 2025
When You’re in Pain, Start Yelling
Standing Up for Your Beliefs
When Joseph, still in disguise, threatens to keep Benjamin, Judah steps up and throws a tantrum. What happened to diplomacy? Discover the importance of standing up for what you believe in.
Wednesday, January 8 2025
You Can Clean Up Your Own Mess
No Mistake Is Too Great to Fix
The Jewish people have faced many challenges, some self-inflicted, yet we’ve always persevered. Jacob’s parting blessing to his son Benjamin teaches that no challenge is insurmountable.
Wednesday, January 15 2025
The Ideal Jew
Hint: It’s Not a Rabbi
Scholars and clergy are great, but they’re not the ideal Jew. What is the ultimate goal for all of us? The story of two defiant midwives in ancient Egypt and their Divine reward offers a profound clue.
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