Barbara Binder Kadden, RJE

Barbara Binder Kadden, RJE, z"l wrote extensively in the area of Jewish education, including co-authoring three books: Teaching Mitzvot: Concepts, Values and Activities; Teaching Tefilah: Insights and Activities on Prayer; and Teaching Jewish Life Cycle: Traditions and Activities. Barbara was married to Rabbi Bruce Kadden, rabbi at Temple Beth El, Tacoma, WA.

A Minimum of Pleasure - Middah Miyut Ta'anug

Barbara Binder Kadden, RJE
The middah, or ethical value, of miyut ta'anug teaches us to limit our pleasure. It seems that Judaism is of two minds when it comes to pleasure and enjoyment. There are numerous examples of taking pleasure from the world, treating oneself to luxury and enjoying beauty.

A Listening Ear - Middah Sh'miat Haozen

Barbara Binder Kadden, RJE
Sh'miat Haozen is the "pay attention" middah or virtue. We learn by many senses and focus on acquiring Torah by listening. Regardless of whether one can physically hear or not, we are all capable of listening.
sacred texts
Torrah and Kippah
Noach

The Challenge of Righteousness

D'Var Torah By: Barbara Binder Kadden, RJE
The wording of the verse gives rise to this debate. The text states that “Noah was a righteous man,” but immediately follows with the phrase “in his generation, he was above reproach. . . ” All of us, including the ancient Rabbis, are left to wonder if Noah is exceptional or not, if his righteousness would be universally righteous or simply righteous in his time.
Torrah and Kippah
B'reishit

Words Not Spoken . . . Words Not Heard

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Bruce Kadden

D'Var Torah By: Barbara Binder Kadden, RJE
Words are powerful. In Genesis, chapter one, God creates through words: “God said, ‘Let there be light!’—and there was light. . . . God said, ‘Let there be an expanse in the midst of the waters,’. . . .