• A Jewish Perspective on Exile and Influence

    Maimonides writes the following in the Mishnah Torah, his book of Jewish law, based on a source in the Talmud: “A Jew is not allowed to follow in the ways of the idolaters, and is not permitted to imitate their dress or hair style.    Just as a Jew is different in their thinking and…

  • Turning Wounds into Wisdom

    In this week’s Parsha, Vayechi, Jacob dies and the brothers of Joseph are afraid that Joseph will take revenge upon them.  Joseph says to them, “Am I in the place of God? Although you intended me harm, God intended it for good, so as to bring about the present result—the survival of many people.  And…

  • The Younger Leader: Embracing Struggle and Creativity

    In this week’s Parsha, Vayichi, we have a familiar story of blessings bestowed upon two brothers.  According to the Torah the first born receives a double portion and is meant to be the leader and even the Jewish people itself, as a leader among the nations, is in this sense called by God, “My firstborn.”…

  • The Path to Truth: Learning from Moshe on Simchat Torah

    We have just completed the pathway of the Tishrei holidays whose purpose is to provide us with a strong foundation for the coming year. The process of Teshuva fixes and strengthens our relationships with others and with God, and Sukkot gives us an appreciation for all that we have, including – in agricultural times –…

  • Science and Creation

    “In the beginning G-d created the heavens and the land.”  Rashi (11 century) comments, “…The Torah is not attempting to describe the order of the creation…for if it was how could the Torah say, ‘the spirit of G-d hovered over the water,’ before it has spoken of the creation of the waters…thus it must be…

  • The Power of Relationships in Creating Something New

    Beginnings are a very powerful time in Judaism.  I guess the best place to learn about them is at THE BEGINNING.  When the Torah describes God creating human beings God says something strange: “Let us make humans”.  The classic Jewish commentaries ask: “Why us?”  Clearly the Torah sees God as only One.  Who is God…

  • Adam and Eve: Two Stories, Two Personalities

    In this week’s Torah portion, Berashit, the first humans, Chava and Adam are created.  The story of their creation is told twice in the Torah, the first in chapter 1 and the second in chapter 2, with many differences.  In the first story Adam and Eve are created at the same time in the image…