Weekly Torah Studies: Recent Episodes
Kushi Schusterman
Introducing you to new planes in spirituality, society, and self-awareness - one week at a time through the Klein Jewish Academy at HarfordChabad.org
Is the Torah just a really nice moral code? A great history book? A book of laws? Can it, or will it, ever change? Discover the true value of our people’s defining book.
The benefits of feeling and expressing gratitude are well explored. A somewhat obscure law about dedicating fields to the Temple brings us to a surprising perk: expressing gratitude can bring tangible goodness into your life.
Even in the age of connectivity and the proliferation of something called “social media,” people have never been more lonely. A niche law in the Torah’s treatment of a servant provides a poignant companion to anyone at any time: G-d Himself
The Four Species we shake on the Sukkot holiday famously represent four different types of Jews. From the way the Torah describes each plant, we learn a valuable lesson about the immutable value of every Jew–regardless of what they do, or do not do.
The reality of life for so many is a series of banal, mundane, and oftentimes downright unholy moments. What are we supposed to make of this frustrating situation? A lesson from the lifespan of a fruit in Jewish law teaches us that G-d is best found in precisely these moments.
To a perfectionist, it’s “all or nothing,” right? But for the pragmatist whom Judaism champions, partial perfection is already a remarkable achievement. The matzah ball soup on the last day of Passover teaches us why.
Religion can be attractive to many for one simple reason: it makes you a better person (hopefully). While not a bad argument, this isn’t the extent of Judaism’s majesty at all. The life of the hardworking and quick-to-die worker bee teaches us this valuable lesson.
Popular conception imagines Creation as a one-time thing, millennia ago, and just running on autopilot ever since. Chasidic thought busts that myth, teaching that Creation is a dynamic event occurring each second anew. With that in mind, every day is truly a new opportunity.
Jewish holidays are all on fixed dates. But curiously, when it comes to Purim, it seems that certain aspects of the holiday can be observed on a number of different days. This interesting fact tells us that not only are holidays uniquely special; any day can be unique if we look carefully.
“Slow and steady wins the race,” they said. And it’s usually true. But sometimes we can’t afford slow and steady. When teaching our children—or even ourselves—about Judaism, we must be bold and ambitious–above and beyond what would usually make sense.
Any investor understands that it takes risk, effort, and a long time of seeing no return to really reap the benefits later. As we continue our millennia-long Exile and look at our Temple in ruins, think of all this time as an investment: amazing returns are coming our way.
That’s what your mother and your teacher probably told you, and surprise!–they were right. Judaism wishes to teach this to us with multiple mitzvot associated with tying knots, because when you’re all tied up with something, you’ll never forget it.
Some get exhausted at or intimidated by the prospect of actively participating in the Jewish community. But the laws concerning which garments the High Priest wore in the Temple teach us that the choice has already been made: you’re in! It’s time to embrace this wonderful reality.
The Temple Menorah had golden goblets fashioned on it. The funny thing is, they were all wrong: upside-down and too narrow at their base. But they broadcast an important message: pour out whatever you know, however narrow or small it may be.
Some complain that Jewish experiences just “don’t talk to them.” A curious instance of recording the Torah before the Torah was even given teaches us that to maximize the experience, investing time and energy into preparation makes all the difference.
The number “three” pops up frequently in Judaism, with G-d, the Jews, and the Torah as the ultimate three-way partnership. There’s a reason for it: One gets a lot of airtime as the ultimate number of unity, but there’s something special when three brings one and two together.
For one fateful battle in the desert, an aging Moses did not personally lead the battle, opting to send his younger, stronger deputy instead. And for that, he was punished. Because when it comes to defending Judaism, everyone is on the front lines, no matter your age or stature.
Many wonder what makes the Jewish nation keep on ticking like the Energizer bunny. Answers abound, but one thing is for sure: we remain committed to our faith, and G-d keeps on providing the miracles to make it happen.
Early Jewish thinkers taught that the entire world is made up of four elements. But then there’s an elusive fifth element that lies at the core of everything. The intricacies of Passover chametz law teach us that when it comes to our relationship with G-d, it is this fifth element He seeks.
Challenges, suffering, and pain are unfortunately regular features of life. But is it really so unfortunate? The underwhelming name of the entire second book of the Torah and its opening parshah, “Names,” provides a different message: pain brings the biggest gain.
You’re hungry, yearning for caffeine, and in need of a nap. Is that really what Jewish fast days were designed for? Unsurprisingly, the literature reveals that it’s actually nothing of the sort, as you’ll find in this refreshing look at what would seem to be very un-refreshing days.
“Never despair!” they told you; “all is never lost!” Really? Yes, really. For the Jew with a soul and a luminescent way of life, there really is no corner in life beyond recourse. This is the message calling out to us from the lights of the Chanukah menorah standing in the doorway.
It’s silly to go on vacation and be on your phone all day answering emails. Well, to study Torah and not realize you’re connecting with G-d while doing so is just as silly. From the depths of a miserable pit full of snakes and scorpions, Joseph’s story implores us not to miss the critical point.
No one likes haters, but oftentimes, they’re just part of life’s reality. Instead of wasting time trying to disprove or beat them, our forefather Jacob taught that when you focus on what you need to do, you’ll eventually overwhelm the opposition anyway.
Hey, we can learn life lessons from anyone—warring European kings included. Sure enough, a brilliant military attack launched in 1757 provides a valuable tool for life—one already employed millennia earlier by Jacob: instead of attacking the weak points, reinforce the whole army.
For many situations in life, the objectively appropriate response isn’t too hard to figure out, as long as we’re honest. But what about those instances when you can truly go either way? When G-d made Isaac look like Abraham and not the other way around, He taught us to err on the side of being too nice.
The very notion seems ridiculous: How can you blow past your breaking point if you’ve already been broken? That’s where the Chanukah miracle—as contrasted with Sarah’s miraculous oil—comes into play: to tell us that when we’re plugged into our faith, we can do the impossible.
G-d, religion, spirituality—it all sounds so abstract and sophisticated. Surely, it’s not quite a topic for young children? Or maybe it really isn’t for anyone? The story of a young boy’s tears shed about G-d informs us that this is decidedly not the case.
No one likes conflict, yet we all admire those who can successfully navigate through it. But Israel’s dual description as being both a “gift” and an “inheritance” teaches us that as tempting as equilibrium is, the confidence that emerges from resolving the tempest of discord might just be even greater.
Most would agree that emotions and logic are key ingredients to a successful relationship: It’s got to make sense, and it’s got to feel right. But in our relationship with G-d, there’s a critical third ingredient—found in the difference between Noah and Abraham
Many hobbies and interests consume a person, eventually turning into an entire way of life. And really, the Torah is right up there on that list. With its opening narrative of the story of Creation, this is the story the Torah tells.
Jewish tradition abounds with stories of pious ascetics who ate black bread and slept on wooden boards. But that doesn’t seem to be so commonplace these days. Should we go back? The sukkah—a primal hut, but with all the trappings of a house—provides an innovative and healthy approach.
That we can always improve is pretty much a no-brainer. Yom Kippur comes along each year and adds: Today, your soul receives a reboot. You’re a new person now. You can improve—and dramatically so.
There comes a time when thinking people stop and ask themselves, “Do I really matter?” It’s a scary question. The shofar-blowing ceremony provides a reassuring answer: Beyond anything you might do, G-d decided you matter—and that’s who you are. Go ahead and relish that.
“Fear of G-d” and submitting to authority are central planks to religious Jewish life. But who wants to live in fear and submission? No one. The good news is that Judaism doesn’t demand that from us. In fact, “fearing G-d” is quite the opposite: It is an edifying and empowering awareness to enrich your life. Discover how.
Our claim as the “chosen nation” has too often been misconstrued and misunderstood. It’s time to set the record straight and internalize what this idea really means: We are entirely humble before G-d and here to serve. Now it’s time to get to work.
Squaring the idea of an omnipresent G-d with the reality of evil has always been a thorny theological problem. Discover the surprising premise that upends this entire conversation: it’s along the lines of, “G-d can make a rock He can’t pick up—and then pick it up, too.”
Jewish people throughout history have maintained legendary faith in G-d, no matter how worrisome the future may look. But how? How do we allay fears about the future when we truly don’t know what will be? It’s all about trusting in G-d and relying on His master plan.
It’s the most hotly contested piece of real estate within the most hotly contested land in the world. What’s so special about Jerusalem that evokes so much passion? Walk its cobblestone streets and you will feel that it is the nexus of Heaven and earth.
Modern life is a dizzying abundance of “splintering.” Every day brings so many different places to be, roles to fill, and projects to carry out. World events regularly turn things upside down. How do we maintain our sanity and peace through it all? By centering everything around one thing: serving G-d—in whichever capacity He wishes.
A Talmudic story of a sage laughing at the scene of tremendous destruction teaches us profound truths about the destruction in our lives: it’s not just getting better “some day”; the destruction is the very feature that’s making it better right now.
A remake is always hard. How do you maintain the original authentic theme and flavor while injecting new and relevant language? Two drastically different historic attempts at translating the Torah teach us how to ace this tough task: with creativity and an abundance of caution.
We all go through difficult, dark times—sometimes excruciatingly so. Judaism has long held the view that like the Jews’ original odyssey through the desert, no stop on this journey of life is so dark as to be meaningless. In fact, the more difficult it is, the greater the growth thereafter.
“You got burned trying to go the cheaper route? I told you it wasn’t a good idea!” said every parent to their child. But that’s life: to really appreciate something, we sometimes have to learn it the hard way And so it is with our relationship with G-d: it cannot only be taught; it must be learned and earned.
Shoving trauma under the rug is never a good idea, but dwelling on it and letting it dictate your life isn’t either. An entire parshah named after a famous villain shows us how to strike a healthy balance between fleeing and facing a traumatic past.
Jewish history and lore is replete with sages and saints, and with matriarchs and patriarchs. But let’s face it: most of us are never going to be any of the above. Where’s our place in Judaism? The quelling of Korach’s revolt surprisingly tells us that it’s actually front and center.
If to think is to question, to discover, and reject when necessary, to accept and obey means to not think. So how do we approach religion: accept without thinking, or question and challenge? The story of the spies provides the answer: both.
Suppose the “masses” are slacking off, and you now have the opportunity to distinguish yourself and shine. Would you do it? From a glaring narrative hole in the parshah, we learn that a true leader would never do that. His or her fate is always with the people.
A tribal prince offered a sacrifice millennia ago on Shabbat, and we’re mining the lesson ever since. It’s time to give yourself permission to feel important and significant. Your every action matters—and cosmically so.
Class date: May 31. 2023
When G-d gave the Torah, He nominated every Jew as a king. The original Chasidic master, the Baal Shem Tov, provides a blueprint for a Jewish attitude that sees a world not in opposition, but rather as a loyal subject to her king, G-d, and His Torah.
Class date: May 24, 2023
The “self-made man” is one sacred cow long drilled into our collective psyche. A curious omission of a key family member on an important list of relatives in the Torah leads to an enlightening and honest conclusion: you can’t mentor yourself.
Class Date: May 10, 2023
“Daven,” a mysterious word with uncertain origins, is one of those glorious terms that convey the heart of Jewish prayer. More than just a chance to ask G-d for stuff, or a stuffy experience in a hard-backed pew, the Jewish conception of prayer is that it is a heartfelt and spiritually exhilarating opportunity to connect with G-d.
It’s a common mistake: parents don’t really take their children seriously, and one day, boom!: they’re all grown up. Understanding just how developed children are at already very young ages is a clarion call for parents to get serious about their education.
Class date: April 26, 2023
When two Torah portions both seem to be misnamed, you can bet something deeper is at play. Indeed, this double anomaly teaches us an important lesson about healing and rebirth: the process begins a lot earlier than you might imagine.Class date: April 19, 2023
When Loyalty Is as Endearing as Love
Is trudging through a relationship on brute commitment alone a good thing or bad thing? Well, it depends how you look at it. A detailed analysis of the leavening qualities inherent in the Passover matzah reveals that sometimes, loyalty and commitment are exactly the type of love we could all use.Class date: March 29, 2023
Certain Mistakes Happen to Certain People
What do our mistakes say about us? Is “It was just a one-time mistake” an acceptable defense? Discover the lesson taught by an errant leader in Temple times: Moral lapses are not just one-off events to be ignored because they go unpunished. Instead, reflect on what your mistakes mean about your life at large.Class date: March 22, 2023
Is Religious Lifestyle Compatible with Creative Self-Expression?Poetry, music, painting, liberal arts: none of these sound like the stuff of a devout religious lifestyle. Stories of tradition, conformity, and asceticism are the bread and butter of religion. Can the twain meet? Of course they can! Discover how.Class date: March 15, 2023
Finding a Map to the Real You
We all want a lot of money, a big house, nice cars, healthy relationships, good vacations, and even a sprinkle of happiness and meaningful moments. But what do you really want? And how do you get there? Discover the formula for identifying and unlocking the real you.
Class date: March 08, 2023
Public Service Is a Critical Part of Life
In an era of self-development, self-actualization, and self-fulfillment, putting aside personal needs to help someone else is somewhat of a lost art. While Western society has shifted over the last century from the collective to the individual, Purim’s other main character, Mordechai, teaches us to push back on the trend.Class date: March 01, 2023
There’s Nothing Hypocritical about Your One-Off Good Moment
One of the greatest challenges to meaningful change is the nagging feeling that whatever changes we make are only incremental and not reflective of our true selves. So why bother? When it comes to your relationship with G-d, the surprising and refreshing truth is that every move carries infinite, timeless value.Class date: Feb 22, 2023
If Judaism Is Hurting You, You’re Doing Something Wrong
Piety and asceticism have long been considered ideological allies. Indeed, fasting, abstinence, and a general disdain for the body and materialism are the assumed brand of the sincerely devout. But along came the Chassidic revolution and brought with it a somewhat brazen but ultimately beautiful version of Judaism that’s yours to enjoy.
Class date: Feb 15, 2023
Appreciating the Underlying Oneness in Everything—Including You
We live in an incredibly fragmented world; everything and anything eventually seems to splinter, come apart, or disintegrate. What is the secret glue that holds everything together—in our lives, throughout the world, and over history? Discover the Theory of Everything.Class date: Feb 08, 2023
Investing Everything into the Task at Hand. And Then Moving On to the Next
“Live in the moment” is a popular buzz phrase today. But what if the next moment is equally, or even more, important? The Jews’ puzzling behavior with the spoils at the sea teach us an important lesson about this very question.
Class date: Feb 01, 2023
Putting “Do a Mitzvah” on Everyone’s Bucket List
Do you have a bucket list of things you’d like to do at least once in your life? Many people have such lists. What they may not know is that “do a mitzvah” could well be the most important item to add to that list, for the entirety of Creation depends on it.
Class date: January 25, 2023
Sometimes the Best Strategy is to Simply Scream “Go Away!”
There’s the truth, and then there are a million other versions. Usually, we know the truth. So when others come along and try to convince us otherwise, it’s best to recognize them for what they are: lying, manipulating forces that deserve nothing more than a shout: “Get out of my life!”
Class date: January 18, 2023
Is There Space for Both?
It’s a familiar tension that pops up all the time: Who should I prioritize: myself or someone else? Sometimes it seems impossible to do both. A close look at Moses’s life and his thundering words to Pharaoh tell us that when G-d is involved, “me and you” can both be served.
Class date: January 11, 2023
Leadership seminars abound, but is there one quality that lies at the core of it all? A study on the contrast between two great leaders—Rueben and Judah—cuts to the heart of the matter: to lead is to know, to care, and to put yourself aside until the job is done.
Sometimes, you’re just listless and tired out. Spirituality, religion, or anything of that sort just isn’t talking to you. How do you proceed? Thousands of years ago, Joseph collected money in Egypt and buried it. We’re still discovering that stash today—and it can help your fatigue.Class date: 12/28/2022
If there’s anything people have wished for from the proverbial genie in the bottle, it’s “world peace.” Yet, after thousands of years, it still eludes us. From a technical law about which candle to choose over the other—Shabbat or Chanukah—we emerge with a powerful elixir to cure our fractured world.
Class date: December 21, 2022
Did you know that the ancient custom of a wedding ring is rooted in a dramatic biblical story of betrayal and childbirth? And did you know that wedding rings are connected to Shabbat and the workweek as well? Discover the mystical meaning of the wedding ring and how it can infuse meaning into the mundane workweek.
Class date: December 14, 2022
“Mazel tov! You’re now an adult,” said everyone’s friends and uncles. But aren’t twelve and thirteen far too young for such a statement to be really true? The counterintuitive story in the Torah that provides this age bracket tells us what “maturity” in Jewish thought is really about.
Class date: December 07, 2022
The stereotypical image of the meek Jew who favors the study hall or the home is a bane for many. “No, we can fight, too! We can hold our own!” is common pushback. Our forefathers’ obsession with sheep, of all animals, teaches us the perfect blend of humility and strength.
Class date: November 30, 2022
Gossip, slander, and the rumor mills are objectively pernicious things to avoid. But what do we do about all the bad actors out there? For decades, our forefather Isaac suffered from blindness to teach us all an invaluable lesson: there’s always something good to see in someone else, and if we can find it, maybe they will, too.Class date: November 23, 2022
There are many ways to work toward a just and moral society. The most tried and tested way begins at home: instilling values in the next generation. The sacred glow of Shabbat is far more than just an antecedent to a lightbulb; it is a spiritual light that burns brightly in the minds and hearts of everyone in the home.
Class date: November 16, 2022
After leading a somewhat religious lifestyle for decades on end, you would expect things to get a bit easier, right? Wrong. Well, if you’re looking for a boring and dry relationship with G-d, then maybe. But if you’re looking for something deeper, welcome aboard.
Class date: November 02, 2022
Chasidism, its leaders, and its masters are the subject of much fascination. But what really lies at the heart of this movement, and how does it really enrich your daily life? The shared birthday of two of the greatest Chasidic masters to ever live opens a window into the depth and wonder of a revolution that can change your life.
Class date: September 14, 2022
The Jewish wedding ceremony is hallowed and joyous. Arguably its most iconic feature is the ring slipped on the glowing bride’s finger. What is the symbolism of this ancient ritual? A surprising legal journey brings us to the inalienable truth that to truly love is to let go of any past loves, for the heart can only be wide open to one when it is closed off from all others.
Witnesses and testimony typically sound like the stuff of courtrooms and depositions. But a thrilling spin through Jewish law, philosophy, and mysticism yields a surprising conclusion: every Jew is a witness, testifying to a divine reality that puts the universe on the right side of the struggle between good and bad.
Class date: August 31, 2022
A moral compass built on reason alone stands on very shaky ground. No matter how smart and sophisticated you are, it’s possible to justify pretty much anything. The trick is to move into a different zone: the power of conviction.
Class date: August 24, 2022
Throughout the ages, Jews have affixed a small scroll on the doors of their homes, loudly proclaiming to all, “This is a Jewish home.” Discover the meaning of this important mitzvah, and just how much you can benefit from the mezuzah’s protective quality.
Class date: August 17, 2022
“Jewish law” is a term often thrown around when talking about Judaism. But what, exactly, makes Jewish law “Jewish” per se? A deep look at the moral underpinnings of Jewish law reveals an important lesson to be culled from a ruling about neighbors: you are greatly impacted by your surroundings. Make the environment you wish to see in this world.
There are always those who are particularly passionate about religion and G-d, and then there’s . . . everyone else: just typical people trying to do the right thing and get by. Is that enough? Must we all be passionate and holy? Discover a middle ground that is far from middling.Class date: August 03, 2022
Is it racist to make the claim that we’re the “Chosen Nation”? What does that even mean in the first place? A closer look at the Chosen Land (spoiler: Israel) uncovers an edifying take on this much-abused idea. Far from privileged pretentiousness, to be chosen is a responsibility and a demand.
“I can’t do it, it’s too hard, and I don’t have what it takes!” Sound familiar? It turns out that the prophet Jeremiah said the same thing to G-d Himself. G-d’s answer? A stirring string of verses opening the haftarah imparts the rousing message that your soul came before all the challenges you will ever face, so you have all the firepower you need.
Avraham was the first Jew, right? But wait. What about the events at Mount Sinai, when everyone received the Torah: Wasn’t that the moment of nationhood? Come to think of it, were the Jewish people not born at the Exodus from Egypt? An enthralling roller-coaster ride through the literature explores this important question
Sometimes, It's Best To Shrink Your Audience To Amplify Your Message
Was there ever something you felt strongly about, yet kept to yourself for fear of losing your audience? It’s a tough call each time, and the divergent legacies of Abraham and his wife Sarah are quite instructional. Ultimately, it’s Sarah who wins the day.
Sustainable Love is a Quiet Affair
To be “in love” is to be generous, wide open, and full of dreams. That’s a great first step—but it’s only the first step. Abraham, the first Jew, was a man of kindness, yet the wells of emotion he dug were ultimately stuffed up. It took his quiet, disciplined son, Isaac, to redig them and open them forever. It’s much the same in our lives, too.
The Synthesis Runs a Lot Deeper Than You Think. Just Do It Right.
Many have grappled with the apparently irreconcilable differences between religion and science; “Religion is the domain of faith; science, that of reason,” is a common attitude. A new read of when G-d disrupts a grand feat of modern engineering teaches a refreshing approach.
A Primer for Acting, Feeling, and Identifying as Jewish
What is the defining feature of a healthy relationship? Doing things for each other? Remaining committed even when there’s betrayal? Perhaps another intangible we’re not even talking about? The joyous holiday of Sukkot provides a good primer for these important questions.
True Love Doesn’t Blind; It Embraces and Hopes for Better
Come to think of it, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are really the same thing: two serious days about making things right for a new year. So why do we need them both? “High Holiday” doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it could do. So why the double-act? Discover the true meaning of Yom Kippur.
Finding Common Ground from a G-dly Perch
In divisive times, when neighbors, friends, and even family turn on one another, it is more important than ever to find common ground that unites us all. Indeed, the New Year provides us an opportunity to gain a G-dly perspective on humanity that will surely bring us together.
The Super Power of Baal Teshuva
Have you ever wished you could rewrite the past and retrieve a broken part of yourself? Through a surprisingly fresh look at the horrible list of curses in our parshah, we discover a most incredible power: the power to redeem the irredeemable.
Recognizing Your Limits Is the Secret to True Growth
To assume infallibility is a dangerous game. History has demonstrated time and again that he or she who deems themselves beyond reproach is most often the first one to fall. A fresh look at the mitzvah to erect a fence on the roof of our home brings this message into stark relief.
To Leave Egypt, You Must Really Leave It Behind. All of It.
A Jewish king is not allowed to own too many horses. Sounds interesting, but why? So he doesn’t head back to Egypt and settle there. A fascinating ride through some complex halachic intricacies lands us at the doorstep of this important conclusion: There’s no such thing as “partially” leaving Egypt.
Gaining Perspective on the Things that Vex Us Most
“I have given you blessing and curses; take a good look and make the right choice!” Scripture declares. Is this really such a choice that requires examination? A deep look at some thorny theological questions gifts us this nugget: How we look at life is, indeed, entirely ours to choose.
Giving Up Halfway Is Not an Option
Have you ever started a new pet project or embarked on a new “year of change”—and then you fell flat just a couple of months in? This class argues that when fate sets you down a certain path, G-d expects you to see it through to the end. The good news? He empowered you to do it. So, carry on.
Appreciating That We're Catching Up to the Torah
There’s a certain sense of wonderment that children seem to lose as they mature. An inspired Mishnah and a curious quirk in the mitzvah of Torah study urge us to maintain that sense of wonder—and the humility that comes with it.
Dispelling the Notion That Anyone Has a Claim More than You Do
Does the Torah really belong to every Jew? Aren’t there class divisions in Judaism: say, for example, the priests and the rabbis? Perhaps the Torah actually highlights some of our differences? No, it does not. In this lesson, discover how.
Are You Waiting for the Right Messiah?
Ask anyone in synagogue what Messiah is, and you’ll get answers about utopia, peace, love, and harmony. While that’s not untrue, it’s time to take a proper look at the legal definition of Messiah so we know what we’re waiting for. The answer may surprise you.
Emulating Korach’s Noble Intentions
For too long, Korach has been perceived as a one-dimensional villain. This class argues that there’s much to learn from his intentions. After all, there’s something to say about someone who has a passionate drive to connect with the Divine. Ask yourself: Does a lack of G-d in your life make YOU cry?
Juggling personal morals and values with the need to help another is a thorny ethical dilemma. Taking a closer look at the Torah’s juxtaposition of two random events makes one thing very clear: staying in your own comfort zone is not an option.
An Audacious Argument to Find Yourself in the Location Least Expected
It’s a struggle of identity that has challenged humanity since the beginning of time: How do we maintain our unique individuality while identifying with the broader community? Many years ago, the veteran sage Hillel presented a bold answer while discussing the laws of the Passover sacrifice, and we’re privileged to explore it still.
There’s something about a cute little child that perhaps causes us to dismiss them, not seriously considering just how important they are in the chain of history. A detail about the Levite count in the desert sets the record straight.
Reimagining the Essence of Shabbat
It’s a classic question: What does it mean that G-d “rested” on the seventh day? Was He tired? Discover the true core of what Shabbat is all about—and the tremendous opportunity that comes with it. You may be surprised: it’s not about sleeping in.
Judaism’s Overemphasis on Raising the Next Generation
Parenting is arguably the most and least rewarding job on the planet. It’s tremendous work, but yields immeasurable joy. Judaism has always promoted family life; in fact, the very first mitzvah in the Torah is to have children. Discover how this value has served us so well—and should continue to do so.
The story of sacrificial scents wafting in the air inspiring Jews to do a radical mitzvah in the middle of the night sounds too fantastical to be true. Thankfully, it is true, and the message it tells us is one of attainable and practical change.
Learning to Love the Entire Package
Does every part of Judaism excite you the same way? A tragic death during the most joyous of times in the desert clues us in as to how we ought to approach our religious life—the exciting, the mundane, and even those parts that feel boring.
Fewer things can be as constricting, crushing, and stifling than waking up in the morning and not being able to answer why you should even get out of bed. Discover the recipe for freedom in the story of the Exodus. Hint: The road starts and finishes right in none other than . . . YOU.
When You’re Truly Small, Then You’re Really Big
A curiously small letter appears in the first word of book number three of the Torah. With the help of a story about a famous Rebbe teaching his young grandson, what starts off as a lesson in humility turns into a much broader instruction on how to ace the balance between humility and pride.
The last effective leadership book you read preached the qualities of placing others' needs before yours. But then life gets tricky, and certain times call for other priorities. What to do? A lofty effort of twelve noble leaders gone flat tells the story of true leadership.
TODAY OR TOMORROW?
A Rip-Roaring Ride across the Talmudic Sea to the Raging Waters of Life
Two Talmudic sages debated different things that seem entirely unrelated. Discover the hidden key that threads them all together, and by the time you’re done navigating the waters, you may just emerge with the ship of your life steered in a profound, new direction.
Have you tried doing something while trying to leave the back door open—you know, with your eyes on the way out just in case you don’t get too excited about it? If yes, it probably didn’t work. Discover the formula for maturing from “why not?” to “of course!”
Reaching the Pinnacle of Human Achievement . . . and Beyond
Are you possessive about your own personal space? Through the lens of an interesting discussion about the parameters of personal space in Jewish law, discover the limits of your own personal growth—and how to smash them, too.
Life presents all sorts of situations that challenge us to keep within our moral, ethical, and religious bounds. A lesser-known law of Shabbat observance that cautions against wandering too far out of town teaches us the right formula for a healthy framework.
Parenting Isn’t Only about You
Let’s face it: parenting is really, really hard—perhaps one of the most challenging things in the world. So here’s a thought: your children are entrusted to you by G-d, so He must believe in you that you’re up to the job. Run with it.
Sometimes, We Must Be Unequivocal
G-d brought ten plagues on the Egyptians, right? Of course. But did you know that some of them were experienced by the Jews, too? Wait . . . What? That’s right: the Jews were subjected to some of the plagues to make a bold statement that some things must be unequivocal—for everyone.
A Time to Be Right, a Time to Do What’s Right
Elijah the prophet is one of the most beloved figures in Jewish lore, famed for mysterious visits and messianic tidings. But his life story was one of fire and brimstone. So who, really, is Elijah? Discover your inner Elijah and his historical counterpart, as well: none other than Moses.