Parsha Pick-Me-Up: Recent Episodes
Yitzchak Sprung
Take a few minutes to study the parsha with Rabbi Sprung on Thursdays from Bereshit to V'Zot Habracha. Find the Parsha Pick-Me-Up on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jacob dreams of angels climbing a ladder and God standing above them. But God doesn't stand and angels don't need to climb. So what does his dream actually mean? In one of the famous passages of the Guide, the Rambam explains and- in doing so- he explains what Jewish spirituality really is.
Rivkah found out that Esav was planning to kill Yaakov, so she sent him away. What did she hear and how? And what lesson does that contain for us?
Gen. 27:41-42 with commentators, Guide 1:65, Pesachim 54b.
This week, I will share a wonderful surprise with you. That is, according to the Rambam, Eliezer, the servant of Avraham, made a mistake. He was right that God runs the world. But he misunderstood how we, as God’s independent creations, need to act in that world. In fact, Eliezer was like a gambler, who flips a coin and wins big. The outcome doesn’t prove his method was wise, only that he was lucky.
And that contains a central lesson for us, for how we think of Jewish faith in God, and for how we make our decisions.
Avimelech says he's righteous, Avraham says he's not. God seems to agree with both of them (this is Judaism, after all). So which is it and what should we learn from this moral conundrum?
Pictured: Jan de Herdt, 'Abraham and Abimelech'.
“I will bless those who bless you.” What does that really mean — and why did Avraham need to hear it? Find out in this week’s episode of Unperplexed.
Pictured: Yoram Raanan: Lech Lecha - Biblical print
When God decided to destroy the generation of the flood, He did not warn them; He kept it to Himself, so to speak. But the Torah teaches us of His silence and we learn an essential lesson for our own lives from it.
The very first in the Torah is a real doozy and the Sages seem to almost willfully misread it. Yet, we can defend their interpretation. In fact, we will learn an important lesson from it.
Introducing 'Unperplexed: Parsha Lessons from Maimonides's Guide of the Perplexed.'
Unperplexed explores the weekly Torah portion through the lens of Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed — one of the most challenging and profound works in Jewish thought.
Each week, Rabbi Sprung uncovers how the Rambam’s deepest philosophical ideas illuminate the Torah’s timeless moral and spiritual questions, revealing wisdom for how we think, act, and live every single day.
Join us as we bring reason and revelation together, one Parsha at a time.
First we listen, then we speak. After special days of reflection and repentance, we are ready to offer more refined and defined prayers.
And all the nations will say, Why did God act this way to this land? Why is this great anger so strong? Unkelos's translation and explanation of the verses that follow give us a powerful insight into the connection between fantasy and suffering.
In this parsha we consider a great blessing and question. How do we leave the world as purely as we entered it?
The Torah’s simplest lessons carry surprising depth when we look at them more closely. This week, we look at the mitzvah of returning lost items—and what it really means for the way we live with dignity, care, and responsibility. A short insight to carry with you into the week.
Justice is a word we invoke, but rarely understand. In this episode, we ask what it truly means to be just and to find justice.
Two mountains. One rain. Two very different outcomes. What do Mount Gerizim and Mount Eval teach us about where blessing really comes from?Take a few minutes for an insight that might change how you see your own life.
This week’s Parsha promises blessings beyond measure — but slips in one puzzling warning. Why would God slow down our victories? Discover the answer in this week’s Parsha Pick-Me-Up.
Why did Moshe beg so desperately to enter the Land of Israel? Was it for the beauty—or something far deeper? In this episode, we uncover the surprising reason the Sages say he pleaded with God, and what it teaches us about what really matters.
Not all mistakes are made by believing lies—some are made by emphasizing the wrong truths. This week, we revisit the story of the spies with a powerful insight from Rabbi Joseph ibn Kaspi.
Through the powerful image of a king carrying his ailing son away to heal, the Midrash brings fresh insight into God’s boundless love for His people. Take three minutes to remember that we are always loved.
Was Pinchas right or wrong? This week, we explore what his story teaches us about judgment, reputation, argumentation, and righteousness.
"Let my death be the death of the righteous! Let my end be like his!"
What is it that Bilaam asks for? He seeks the profound, things that we all seek.
Take three minutes to listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
In this week’s Parsha Pick-Me-Up, we look at Korach — and the dangerous illusion of unity. Why does his rebellion fall apart so quickly? And what does that teach us about modern critiques of Israel, leadership, and community? Join us for one brief insight into the parsha that might just sharpen how you see the world.
As Israel stands in defense of its people and land, this week’s Torah portion gives us a crucial spiritual lens.
The mitzvah of taking challah teaches us how physical acts—eating, fighting, surviving—can become sacred when done with holy intention. In this week's Parsha Pick-Me-Up, we explore a teaching from Reb Zusha that speaks directly to this moment: God could have created a world without hunger… or war. But He didn’t. He created a world that needs to be elevated.
🎧 Listen now to discover why defending Israel isn’t just about survival—it’s about sanctifying the world.
In this episode: what do we do when the first plan fails? This week’s parsha, Beha’alotcha, doesn’t offer easy answers—but it opens a door to second chances, even when we don’t feel ready.
Twelve princes. One offering. Twelve different hearts.
Parshat Naso repeats the same gifts twelve times — why? Because in Torah, intention transforms repetition into individuality. Discover why your routine isn't just habit — it's potential.
Why does Bemidbar focus on space, structure, and stories—not mitzvot?
This episode explores how the Israelites honored God by protecting sacred space, and how we do the same today by safeguarding something else.
Why does the Torah treat hurtful words as worse than stolen money? What does it mean to fear God in our speech? And can every conversation really become a religious moment?
Why is the High Priest not allowed to mourn like the rest of us? What does that reveal about identity, responsibility, and spiritual purpose?
This week’s Parsha Pick-Me-Up is about loyalty, law, and knowing Who comes first.
When parents say one thing and God says another—who do you listen to? The way we think about this question can change the way we think about everything that we do.
Take two minutes to learn more.
"If a man does well, they say to him, you preceded the angels; if he does not, they say to him: (in creation) the fly preceded you, the gnat preceded you, the snail preceded you." - Reish Lakish
But what does this have to do with the laws of Kashrut and ritual purity?
Discover a powerful moment in this week’s Torah portion — when celebration turns to tragedy, and true leadership emerges. In just a few minutes, gain insight into resilience, responsibility, and the roles we play when life doesn’t go as planned. Tune in to this week’s Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
Do we need to earn our place in this world? We find ourselves here, and no one asked us whether we were interested. Yet, once we are here, God makes demands of us.
Our parasha contains the beginning of a meditation on this issue.
Discover the deeper meaning behind Hashem’s call to Moshe and how it offers a powerful lesson in affection, equality, and the way we relate to one another."
In this week's episode of Parsha Pick-Me-Up, we explore the surprising moment when Moses blesses the people after their painstaking work on the Tabernacle. Why is the blessing given at such an unexpected time? Join us for a thought-provoking insight into the power of finishing what we start and the true essence of success. Tune in for a quick, meaningful reflection on the Parsha that will inspire you to push through to the finish line.
In this week’s Parsha Pick-Me-Up, we dive into a powerful question: Did everyone donate to the Tabernacle? The answer might surprise you – and it holds a message we all need to hear.
It’s not just about the donations; it’s about presence, purpose, and the reminder that we all matter in building a stronger community.
Don’t miss out on this insightful episode – because we need you. Tune in now and find out why!
God asks Moses, "Why do I need you?"
An intimidating question. Why, indeed, are we important? What are we good for?
Looking in this week's Parsha, the Sages tell us how to answer.
What is the power of the consistent and the always in our relationships and lives? What do they mean for our Judaism?
The Menorah is to be kindled, "always." And that carries an impact for how we see ourselves and the things we do.
The High Priests beautified the Temple just as we beautify our synagogues whenever we are able.
But there is one more thing to beautify that we may be forgetting.
Torah speaks to our character, our behaviors, our knowledge, to the things that lift us up and make us up. It comes to harmonize society and make our lives and minds pure and good. It is anything but impersonal, anything but abstract, anything but distant.
We actively care for our parents, much as they once cared for us when we were small.
But how do we know that all of that is necessary? Maybe we just need to be nice to our parents and we can leave it there. Or at least, that’s what the Sages thought.
Somehow, like the new parent who gets annoyed when their new baby cries for too long, we forget that we are experiencing a miracle, we forget the true and deeper nature of things, the truth that should be more obvious. So who won the battle against Amalek?
Listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
How did the Israelites win over their former masters? Is such a thing even possible? It seems so. Take five minutes to study a fabulous answer to this question proffered by Rabbi Sacks in his commentary to the Chumash.
Why in the world did Hashem promise the forefathers the land of Israel if He had no intention of eventually giving it to them?
Well, it’s something we live with every day.
Take five minutes to listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
Here is a simple question: how long did the conversation between God and Moshe take? Was it an hour? Two?
Somehow, we seem to miss the real number. And, along with it, one of the central lessons of the episode.
There’s a lot to learn from how people phrase things. Sometimes, they don’t want to talk about themselves directly. What are they avoiding? What are they trying to say?
In our case, Yaakov Avinu uses circumventive phrasing to teach an essential lesson.
You need to have the right dirt.
As is well known, Joseph advised Pharoah to take food from the seven years of plenty and store it away for the years of famine. Pharaoh, in turn, appointed Joseph to oversee this process. As we shall see, in order to do this, Joseph determined that you need the right dirt. And so do we.
Where did Yaakov live? Well, in the land of Canaan of course. But listen to the verse, because there is a phrase in it that does not belong. Of course, it contains a beautiful lesson for us about how to live.
What is God saying to Jacob?
God tells Jacob to be fruitful and multiply. But the timing makes it very odd that Hashem says this to him.
Take note: Jacob is 11 sons and one daughter into his total of 12 sons and one daughter and the time of this comment. What does God mean to tell him?
The story of his transformation begins, of course, with a dream about a ladder. Interestingly, the terminology and ideas of this passage bring to mind another passage in the torah, one where stones are noted as missing, where Hashem comes down to meet a tower that went up to the sky.
But what is the import of this remarkable parallel? And what is the secret to fatherhood of the tribes?
When Esav heard the words of his father, he cried a cry that was great and very bitter. And he said “bless me as well, father!.”
Esav knows that Yaakov has received the blessing that was intended for him. Hurt and saddened, he begs his father to bless him. Yet, he has no idea what blessing his father gave to Yaakov.
Why is he so desperate for some unknown words?
How do the Children of Chet know that Avraham is a holy man? They are not privy to his prophecies, and there are many wealthy warlords who no one would confuse for a man of God. So what makes Avraham different?
Why did Hashem choose Avraham?
It’s not really a mystery: God tells us Himself in this week’s torah portion. As Hashem says “because I know him, since he will command his children and his household after him and they will keep the path of Hashem, to do righteousness and justice.”
Yet, we may struggle to find an instance where this actually occurred! When does Avraham teach his children what to do?
Avraham will receive the Land of Canaan as a gift... if he takes a walk first. Why is that so important?
Why not send the raven again?
We tend to think that after the flood, Noah first attempted to send a raven to explore the dry land before he sent a dove to do the job.
But there is something essential missing from this picture and most translations do not convey the passage accurately.
Moses commanded us a law, an inheritance for the assembly of Jacob.
What type of inheritance is this? What is the import of this idea? The Midrash Tannaim gives us the following most beautiful explanation, just in time to begin again.
We can ruin easily ruin our prayers, say the Sages. How, why, and how to avoid this problem addressed in brief in the Parsha Pick-Me-Up.
What is the last thing you’d like to eat before you die? What, indeed, do we want to do before we die? How would we spend today, if we knew we were in our final hours?
How do we find joy? Apparently we can find it after we bring the first fruits. A simple secret is once again taught by our tradition.
It is odd that he takes such a strong stand against vows. Is it really so bad to promise our children we will make the play, our spouse that we will take that vacation, our boss that we will make the meeting, and so on?
Yes, Rav Dimi says. Take five minutes to listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn why.
Why is it so important to respect borders and boundaries?
We begin with regular old fences. But there's a lot more there and all of our relationships are impacted by this teaching.
This week’s episode is sponsored by Sari and Scott Garfinkle in memory of Zev David ben Shlomo z’l
Sources: Sifri 188, Midrash Aggadah (Buber) Deut. 19, Lev. 19:10, Mishnah Peah 7:3, MT Gifts to the Poor 4:15, Proverbs 22:28, Yalkut Shimoni Deut. 19
They both rise on one and the same soil, both are watered by one and the same fall of rain and dew, the same air breathes over both of them… and yet Eval remains in barren bleakness while Gerisim is clad to its summit in embellishment of vegetation.
We return to an old problem with this verse. Could it be that the all knowing God really needs to test the people in order to see whether or not they would keep His commandments?
Indeed, Ibn Ezra’s comments here amount to something like “I already wrote about this earlier.”
Given the great number of laws in Judaism, we may be tempted to conclude that doing good in God’s eyes means no more or less than keeping the law. However, we find in our parsha that this is not the case.
Moshe joins a long tradition of deathbed reprovers. It is a list that includes Yaakov, Yehoshua, Shmuel, and David. What is it about this practice that makes it so worthy of imitation by our greatest leaders and teachers?
The Tribes of Gad and Reuven just want a place to live. But Moshe goes right into panic mode. What is he so afraid of? And why should we be so afraid of it as well?
This episode carries different meaning this year. As I listened to it, I was surprised how different elements in it now became resonant.
Listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn about zealotry, Pincha's moment, and the Jewish interest.
"Let my death be the death of the righteous! Let my end be like his!"
What is it that Bilaam asks for? He seeks the profound, things that we all seek.
Take three minutes to listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
Usually, just a moment or two of reflection can help us understand why the Sages comment on a phrase or verse. But some comments are stumpers.
This week, the Sages tell us that when Moshe and Aharon gather the people together, it is an example of the "few taking hold of the many," as though this is something I would not have figured out myself.
But there is something rather surprising and beautiful here, if we take a few steps backwards to understand the meaning of this seemingly innocuous comment.
Take a few minutes to listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to find something both practical and wonderful.
Does Korach have the right priorities?
Generally speaking, when we study the story of Korach and his group, we highlight his terrible moral and political errors. However, when we study Rashi, we find a positive lesson regarding Korach’s priorities.
The Spies saw what happened to Miriam. Yet, they seemed to miss something. Is it possible that we are missing something as well?
If that were the end of the passage, we would understand that Levites retire entirely at the age of 50. However, the next verse continues:
(26) However, they shall minister with their brothers in the Tent of Meeting, to perform the duty, but they shall do no service. You shall do thus to the Levites concerning their duties."
This is a little confusing. Are they to minister in the Tabernacle after the age of fifty, or not?
Notice, the verse tells Moses to Take the Levites because the firstborn are holy. That doesn’t make sense.
Shouldn’t it say take the Levites because the Levites are holy or it should saythe firstborn are holy, so take them?
Surely, it does not make sense to take the tribe of Levi for God because the firstborns were saved in Egypt!
Sources: Num. 3: 12, Bemidbar Rabbah 3:5
What does the im, supposedly "if" really mean? The Sages tell us it means something much more meaningful than just "if." This word opens our Torah portion and contains within it so much more.
Take three minutes to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
Source: Avoda 5a.
God chose the 7th day of the week and the 7th year of the Shmitah cycle to be special for Him but the special nature of these Sabbaths is dependent upon us.
Take three minutes to listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
Our Torah portion begins with our deepest hope and greatest fear: getting credit for our children or receiving opprobrium.
Our verse functions as a sort of warning: don’t turn to false gods, since, in the end, you may come to think that they are real.
Notably, this is not the usual uniform of the High Priest, clothed generally in gold, jewels, and wool. Rashi explains that the gold, reminiscent as it was of the sin of the golden calf, would have been problematic.
Some stupendous humility may be called for in such a case. Perhaps the teacher of all of the priests is not a priest. Then, that teacher will never be able to declare tzara’at, though his students could. A surprising lesson is contained here.
Listen to the Parsha Pick-Me-Up to learn more.
"If a man does well, they say to him, you preceded the angels; if he does not, they say to him: (in creation) the fly preceded you, the gnat preceded you, the snail preceded you." - Reish Lakish
But what does this have to do with the laws of Kashrut and ritual purity?
"I am torn within, I cry without end. I do not sleep.... Maybe Hashem has finally decided that we are no longer His chosen people?"
Words and worries from the past and present. As always, the parsha comes to speak to our moment.
Sources:
Rabbi Yuval Sherlow, Shu’’t HaHitnatkut p. 139
Lev. 9:23 with Rashi
Jer. chap. 2 with Rashi.
Do we need to earn our place in this world? We find ourselves here, and no one asked us whether we were interested. Yet, once we are here, God makes demands of us.
Our parasha contains the beginning of a meditation on this problem.
Sources: Lev. 6:10, Malachi 1:10, Tosefta Demai 2:8.
Soldiers on the front lines will have an easy time answering key questions. They serve the people of Israel. And the rest of us?
Surely, complex as the process was, it could not have taken six months to make such a small building as the Tabernacle! What was it that took so long that the Mishkan could not be assembled until nearly six months had passed?
The answers the Sages give is mysterious. It is also precisely the answer we need right now.
Bezalel is key to the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), such that it is named after him. What is the Torah teaching us by singling him out?
There is a great secret here: That which is kadosh, holy or sacred- or its opposite- can change our lives.
The High Priest's apron requires golden threads in each strand. The gold teaches us a special lesson that may elevate our behaviors.
The Menorah has a very unusual quality to it: each of its six outer lamps faces in towards the center, so that its light travels inwards.
Negative speech, in order to qualify as Lashon Hara, must be true. So how could the Sages construe our verse, which explicitly warns against falsehoods, to be a warning against true speech, negative though it may be?
There is an important and timely comment on social ties made at the beginning of our Parasha- one that usually goes unnoticed.
What is the significance of this place, Pi HaChirot? In fact, it stems from something we learned of long ago but means so much to us now.
The Jewish people are commanded to declare and sanctify the new moon each month. The Sages point to something that is key to becoming the people we want to be.
Source: Mechilta DeRabbi Yishmael Masechta DePischa 2.
Moshe Rabbenu has great news to tell the Children of Israel: God is going to save them, take them out of Egypt, and bring them to the Land of Canaan.
Yet, this uplifting and joyful message could not get through. They were experiencing something that we often experience, with lessons for our own time.
A new king rose over Egypt who did not know Yosef.
The old king knew Yosef, the powerful and influential viceroy who saw Egypt through a difficult time. The new king not only does not appreciate what Yosef has done for his people, but he suspects the children of Israel, worrying that they might escape Egypt and even pose a military threat.
This new king- whatever that means- is an object lesson in moral knowledge and ignorance.
Yosef agrees to bury his father in Israel but Yaakov does not simply take his word for it. Instead, he makes Yosef swear to arrange his burial in the proper manner. Why?
Israel and his children seem to be an emotional group. Their tears say something profound about our people, our faith, and our way of life.
As the old fable has it, the ant that gathers food in the summer has what to eat in the winter, while the grasshopper that spent the summer dancing begins to starve.
Yet, the present is in so many ways stronger than any prior moment.
Yaakov’s predicament is not theoretical. Many families of Israel await news regarding their loved ones. They will not be consoled and neither should we.
What is the meaning of Yaakov's new name, "Israel"? Why is its connection with failure so important?
Leah is not loved most. This is a major part of her life, just like our own disappointments. Yet, she persevered.
Yitzchak teaches a simple lesson about getting what you want and Rivka, Yaakov, and Esav all take it to heart. It is a lesson we should review now.
A little known midrash comments on Sarah's unique personality and outlook. It is just those very qualities that we need right now.
Rabbi Soloveitchik's words are from his essay “From Generation to Generation”, pp. 186-7 in “Abraham’s Journey.”
God tests Avraham, as He tests us now. Yet, there is an important element of God's "tests" that we should not lose sight of.
Avram and Sarai have an outlandish conversation as they near Egypt. Their words and experiences speak to our moment.
What people say of us when they evaluate our actions now? Will we be great in our time?
Moses was a "Man of God." Surely, we know that. What does this add to the verse and what does it mean for us?
We can ruin easily ruin our prayers, say the Sages. How, why, and how to avoid this problem addressed in brief in the Parsha Pick-Me-Up.
And all the nations will say, Why did God act this way to this land? Why is this great anger so strong? Unkelos's translation and explanation of the verses that follow give us a powerful insight into the connection between fantasy and suffering.
The Recitation of the First Fruits (Mikra Bikkurim) reminds us of a too often forgotten principle of Judaism.
The penalty for cursing God and for pagan worship is death by stoning. After he is killed, the perpetrator will be hung so that others will learn not to follow his path. How long shall he be hung for? And why is it so important?
No one could be like Moshe; he was truly unique. Yet, he promises to have a successor who is like him. What will that similarity be?
The Polish journalist and writer Ryszard Kapuschinski has a great affinity for Herodotus, the so-called 'Father of History'. This relationship has something to tell us about our own relationships and, of course, about the parsha.
Is it possible that Moses was not able to judge Israel? The man who took them out of Egypt and split the sea for them and brought down the manna for them and flew in the quail for them and performed miracles and wonders for them — he should not be able to judge them?!Indeed. Let us ask what this means.
A parable: To what might this be compared? To a king whose son was ill, so he took him to a place far away to heal him.
Zealotry is manifestly dangerous. Yet, God praises Pinchas for his fanaticism. What is praiseworthy about such zeal?
An unusual verb yields a vastly different meaning- and lesson- in the story of the fiery snakes. Complaints, providence, and the wilderness and one grammatical note leave us with an important reminder.
Just who is in charge here? This is the right question to ask when the people surround Moshe and Aharon. It is key for their survival and to how we are going to live.
The order of the spies is very telling, suggests the Ramban. What do we learn from it? And what does it have to do with Alice in Wonderland
Source: Ramban to Num. 13:4
Moshe must 'take' the Levites to serve God. The way he does so sets the bar for how we are to take people to serve God in our own time.
What is being a Nazir really about? And is it a good thing? Num. chap. 6 1-21, Nedarim 9b-10a, Rabbi Yehuda Amital, "Naso:Fear of Heaven and Fear of Sin"
Rashi teaches us about the true children of Moshe. Who are they and what do they mean to us?
The Sages dole out important advice on how to give charity. It's a bit of advice that could be life changing, if we let it.
It's usually fine to slaughter a cow. But not always. The limitation of the law known as 'oto v'et beno', the cow and its young, is instructive regarding our general moral obligations
The High Priest atones for all those who enter the Temple in a state of impurity. But what about the people who violated the sanctity of the Temple on purpose? Why should the offering atone for them as well?
The lessons of the mysterious affliction known as Tzaraat pertain to us all, whether or not we know it.
Lev. 13:45 with Ibn Ezra, Arakhin 16a, Num. 12:12, Nedarim 64b, Lev. 1411, Teshuva 7:2.
The king of the Khazars has a disturbing dream, one that just happens to explain what exactly went wrong with Nadav and Avihu.
Moshe made his brother Kohen, doing all that he was commanded. Yet, for just a moment, he hesitated.
Sources: Lev. 8:1-4, 22-23. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, The Music of Ambivalence
The Sages teach that we can force someone to "get to yes" when it comes to bringing an Olah offering. How in the world does this work? Lev. 1:3, Sifra there, Arakhin 5:6, Rashi to Lev. 1:3, MT Gerushin 2:20, Rav Kook, Orot HaTeshuva 15:10 (trans. R. Shmuel Kurtz)
We do not usually value or like being bossed around. Yet, we might just be missing out on something essential.
The people of Israel cannot look Moshe in the face; they need some distance from him. Moshe, however, is prepared to see God. What is the difference between them and what does it have to do with the well known concept of the "evil eye"?
Sources:
Alter Blau, A Compendium of Discourses in Different Topics from the Mouth of the Gaon Rabbi Soloveitchik (Hadarom 61, p. 54-5.) Translation is my own.
Ex. 30:12-16, 33: 11, 17-20, 34:27-35
For uniquely painful reasons, Moshe Rabbenu is not mentioned in our Parsha. This is all part of God's hiring and firing process.
Fain suddenly came to, jumped up, grabbed a pistol from within his pocket. Suprisingly, there is a connection between how Rashi sees a "terumah" and how we see Mr. Fain.
Sources:
Ex. 25:1-2 with Rashi
The Family Parsha Book by Rabbi Shalom Hammer
Leo Katz, Bad Acts and Guilty Minds, “Those Who Know Not What They Do”
Does anything beyond good intentions matter?
Ex. 21:12 with Rashi, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Leadership in Turbulent Times
The Children of Israel seem delusional. What is wrong with them?
And how should we manage our own unreasonable thoughts and expectations?
Sources:
Bava Kama 82a, Rabbi Soloveitchik Mesoras HaRav Comments to Beshalach 15-16, Rambam end of Temurah.
The first commandment the Children of Israel receive is a rather obscure choice. What made it so ripe for the moment?
Sources:
Ex, 12:1-2 with Mesoras HaRav Commentary to Sefer Shemos
Pharaoh does not attack Bnei Yisrael outright and not right away even though that is what he really wants. Why not?
Forget the past! It's what Yosef does when he becomes a father. What he does next, however, complicates things considerably.
Gen. 41:51 with Sechel Tov, Radak, Rabbi Avraham ben HaRambam, Ralbag, Shadal, and Netziv. Contrast Rashi, haKetav vehaKaballah, and Rav Hirsch.
“Choose not to be harmed- and you won’t feel harmed.
Don’t feel harmed- and you haven’t been.” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4:7)
Why doesn't Yaakov take that path and what guidance does this offer us?
Sources:
Meditations 4:7
A Bhuddist Text from the Pali Canon Medium Collection (Chap. 87) cited in Walter Kauffman’s Critique of Religion and Philosophy, pp. 396-402
Why do we need to know how much Yitzchak enjoyed the food that his oldest son brought him? What does it say about Yitzchak and what do we learn from it?
Who is the Main Character of Parshat Chayei Sarah?
Selected Sources:
Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Marriage
How does the same Avraham who challenges God about the fate of Sedom quickly acquiesce to the sacrifice of his own son?
Source:
R. Nachum Rabinovich, Natural Morality and Torah Morality in Mesilot Bilvavam
What happened to all of the people who became students of Abraham and Sarah and what does that have to do with us?
Gen. 21:33, 12:5, 18:19
Bereshit Rabbah 12:14
Rambam, Avoda Zara 1:3 with Yad Peshuta
Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Go Forth from Your Land in Abraham’s Journey, pp. 57-58.
How do we know right from wrong and what does that say about us?
Selected Sources:
Rambam: Introduction to Avot, Chapter 6
Guide of the Perplexed 3:17
Rav Kook: Orot Hateshuva, Chapter 1
Rav Rabinovich: Natural Morality and Torah Morality in Mesilot Bilvavam
Dr. Jonathan Haidt: The Righteous Mind
What does it mean to human? What do we really mean when we say that people are created in 'the image of God' and what does that mean for me?