1310 essays
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Essays on the weekly Torah portion, the holidays and Jewish thought.
Parsha Noach – Rain and Shine Jerusalem is the most hotly contested place in the world. Yet it has no natural resources. It’s resource is its unparalleled balance of rain and shine; The fusion between the material and the spiritual Parsha Noach – The Elusive Fourth Son Kabbalah teaches three primary personality traits. They are all in need of the fourth dimension to seal their continuity and integrity. Parsha Noach – The New World Order Our goal in life is to enter the “Ark” as did Noah. This ark, the symbol of utopia is within reach! Parsha Noach – The Three Tiers of Torah and Prayer In troubled times we seek refuge in entertainment. Torah and Tefilah (prayer) are the ultimate refuge because they can relate to us on every level. Parsha Noach – The Waters from Above and Below We are influenced by spiritual energy that comes from within and without. The ultimate goal is to internalize the external influences that they become an integral part of our consciousness. Parsha Noach – The Waters of Noach Empathy is a G-d given gift can prevent the world’s degeneration and a cure for societal ills. Noah lacked this gift. It was given to us in generous measure at Mount Sinai. Let’s use it! Parsha Noach – Two Beginnings The Torah begins with the story of Creation. But, the real beginning is the story of the flood. The flood represents a paradigm shift of the Messianic Age. The entire world will be deluged with positive G-dly energy. Parsha Noach – Who Eats First? We have a win-win situation when we our G- dly soul’s altruism and selfless attitude partners with our Animal soul’s selfish motives in doing good. Parsha Voeschanan – A City of Two Tales Much of life is spent on running away from pain and negativity. That is a formidable challenge. An even greater challenge is when we confront adversity precisely when we are ready to embrace unadulterated positivity. Today, on the cusp of the Messianic Age, we were entrusted with this greater challe Parsha Voeschanan – A Singular Find Singularity is a virtue in terms of a goal; but the way to reach our goals is best served by authentic diversity. Parsha Voeschanan – A Jewish Workout Barriers and obstacles were made to be transcended. Parsha Voeschanan – A Mitzvah to Appeal When G-d says no, it is not always no. When G-d says no to one person it is not necessarily no to others. G-d wants us to protest His will that we languish in exile and bring us Moshiach! Parsha Voeschanan – Body and Soul Some ideologies glorify the soul. Some cultures worship the body. Judaism believes in their synergetic nature. Parsha Voeschanan – Darkness and Light Judaism loves paradoxes because they highlight our ability to unite opposites. Expect to find light precisely where it is most dark! Parsha Voeschanan – Enough Is Enough Goodness and holiness always manifests itself in two modes. Goodness dispels the darkness of evil and suffering. Goodness also enables us to climb the mountains of Divine consciousness Parsha Voeschanan – Good, Good and Good Goodness can also be overwhelming. For us to access and fully appreciate goodness we must acquire the power of synthesis Parsha Voeschanan – Hold on to Both “Heads” of the Rope We have been conditioned to see the good even in adversity. Judaism wants us to use that recognition as a means to finally eliminate all adversity. Parsha Voeschanan – Judaism and Arithmetic: No Adding or Subtracting Egos are strange. Our ego can diminish us by ostensibly getting us to do more. Parsha Voeschanan – Kiss the Mezuzah and Wear Your Tefillin Proud To be respected one must do things that are intrinsically worthy of other’s admiration. Objective worth must also be complemented by subjective integrity and love. These two elements are reflected in the Mitzvah of Mezuzah and Tefillin. Parsha Voeschanan – Kosher Chutzpah Chutzpah is a negative trait when I is for selfish reasons. Chutzpah is kosher and even holy when it is for others.