In addressing epidemics, there are a number of provisions of Jewish law directly relevant to challenges we face today. The spirit of these laws and their wisdom speaks across the centuries to us now.

Israel is a country for all Jews, and it is long past time that the State recognizes that there is more than one way to be Jewish. We deserve equal treatment and recognition, and we will not be deterred by those who would deny us these rights.

Gathering in grief gives us a window into the blessings of life. Jewish tradition does this so well – which makes it all the more difficult to cope with loss in the time of COVID-19.

Our ancestor Abram, discovered the One. / But finding the Voice, he wasn’t the first. / With Adam admonished, and Noah then versed / And even Enoch was walking with God.

It may prove difficult to wait for election results, especially in these times of heightened stress and anxiety; patience may seem impossible. Fortunately, Jewish faith and tradition offer lessons for us as we enter a period of waiting and uncertainty.

Rabbi Michael Dolgin, our Genesis commentator for Ten Minutes of Torah, is passionate about community engagement, interfaith and intercultural understanding, and tikkun olam. We caught up with him on how his Torah commentaries speak to some of the critical issues of our time.

Just as the Torah is at the center of Judaism, the ballot is at the core of our democracy. We would not dream of returning the Torah to the Ark without first dressing it. It helps, then, to think of the outer envelope as the ark and the inner security envelope as our ballot’s Torah cover.

“I was in NFTY!” a stranger told me, spotting my years-old T-shirt. This feeling of knowing all of us, that we truly did meet at Sinai, or at least a camp, provides comfort during uncomfortable times.

As our students take their steps in the Old City and then head out to Masada where Herod built his getaway and where zealous Jews built a hideaway, I am deeply moved by their reaction to it all.