Displaying 1 - 10 of 209
The Power of Our Dreams, Both Asleep and Awake
The book of Genesis contains many famous dreams, and this week’s parashah, Vayeitzei, contains one of the most famous dreams ever recorded: the vision of Jacob’s ladder.
When Do We Know We’ve Completed the Struggle?
In Parashat Vayishlach, Jacob receives a new name that becomes the name of the Jewish people: Israel.
The Most Painful Parts of Joseph’s Story Can Teach Us about Ourselves
The Story of Joseph is the longest single story in the Torah and one of the most famous narratives found in the entire Hebrew Bible. This text has inspired many traditional and modern commentaries and additional interpretations though contemporary culture.
How Do You Spell Hanukkah?
Because Hanukkah is a Hebrew word, there is no one correct way to translate the spelling of the word into English. So what spelling is best?
Soul-Making: Living in the Peaks, the Valleys, and Everything in Between
We may want to experience only life's peaks, but there’s another valuable direction in life, too – into the valleys. Our upward movement is balanced by a downward movement, like the angels in Jacob’s dream. We need to embrace both.
What Torah Can Teach Us about Overcoming Loneliness
In the beginning of Parashat Chayei Sarah, Abraham introduces himself to the people of Canaan, the land that has been promised to his descendants.
The Greatest Threat to Civilization, as Taught by Torah
When reading Parashat Tol’dot each year, I am amazed how relevant these ancient stories remain today, including the last significant moment in Isaac’s life.
Torah as Our Guide and Companion
Parashat Lech L’cha is the beginning of the story of the Jewish people. Yet, what can we call a beginning?
Letting Abraham's Example Guide Us, During Election Season and Beyond
Parashat Vayeira contains some of the most well-known and controversial texts in the book of Genesis, including the Akedah. These words remind us that no matter how strongly we feel about our principles, we cannot sacrifice our fellow human beings to realize them.
The Heart of Torah: How Our Actions Bring it to Life
What makes the Torah different from any other book we read?
I posed this question years ago to a group of second graders as we began a lesson about Simchat Torah.