Relationships
Parshat Chayei Sarah
Being Present in the Relationship
Parshat Tazria
Listening to Those Around Us
In Parshat Tazria, we read of the individual inflicted with a Tzara’as (sometimes erroneously defined as leprosy). The illness, we learn, is caused by a spiritual impropriety (such as lashon ha’ra) committed by the afflicted individual (who is known as the Metzora).
Parshat Bechukotai
Repairing our Relationship with
G-d
In Parshat Bechukotai, we read that if we follow G-d’s laws we will enjoy G-d’s blessings. However, if we reject G-d’s laws, we suffer severe curses. But what exactly is it that brings on the curses? Surely if we simply err in our observance of G-d’s laws, that will not bring out G-d’s wrath. There are separate punishments as well as atonements associated with correcting those errors. So what is it about our behavior that makes us subject to the horrible curses?
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Parshat Shmot
On Prayer
For forty years, Moses worked for his father-in-law Yitro as a shepherd, carefully tending to Yitro’s flocks. Moses was diligent and dedicated. Over time, Moses probably learned the location of all the best watering places and knew where the sheep could graze undisturbed by others and without encroaching on others’ land. His life was fairly predictable. Maybe he had to deal with an occasional wild animal or other minor disturbance. But for the most part, every day was pretty much like the day before.
Parshat Lech Lecha
Finding Your Faith
Parshat Naso
Understanding Your Role
In Parshat Naso, we see an interesting contrast between two types of service. In one famous passage, we read about each of the 12 separate offerings brought to the Mishkan (the Holy Tabernacle) by each of the 12 tribes. In paragraph after paragraph we read the identical language describing each tribe’s offering with the only difference in description being the name of the individual tribal chief bringing the offering. The classic question asked is: Why does the Torah have to repeat each offering word for word?
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Parshat Vayeishev
Unity in our Community
In Parshat Vayeishev, Jacob sent his son, Joseph, out to look for his brothers. Joseph encountered an unnamed man who asked Joseph what he was looking for. Joseph replied, “אֶת־אַחַי אָנֹכִי מְבַקֵּשׁ” (“Et Achai Anochi Mevakesh”); “I am (Anochi is) looking for my brothers.”
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Parshat Ki Teitzei
Being Responsible for Each Other
Parshat Ekev
Building a Partnership with
G-d
Parshat Shoftim
Expanding our Boundaries