The two parshiot this week are contrasts in emphasis – do we work on the whole, or strengthen the component parts? One wonders which of the two is more significant – a strong individual input, or a major collective effort? The answer encompasses both: personal integrity coupled with a sense of community mission.
We would like to throw our support behind the Jewish community of Ukraine and encourage you to buy a pound of Matzah (approximately 8 handmade round matzos) for your Pesach…
Moses’ name doesn’t appear in this week’s Parsha even though he is its central figure. A name doesn’t express the essence of a person. It only identifies him for third parties. So, when G-d refers to Moses in the second person, ‘you’, that is even a more specific reference to Moses than his name.
The Purim megillah describes a tense moment between the two hero’s; Esther and Mordechai. Their discussion has a timeless lesson for us all about seizing moments that make a difference.…
The story of Purim is recorded in Megilat Esther. At first glance this seems logical enough a name being that one of the protagonists goes by the name Esther. But…
The festival of Purim has four primary traditions and a number of localised customs. The primary traditions of Purim come from the Megillah – the scroll of Esther, and they are: Have a celebratory feast A celebratory feast is traditionally eaten on the afternoon of Purim day. In Jewish tradition a feast is defined by…
When Moshe Rabbeinu first approached his enslaved brothers and sisters, they ignored him. Rashi notes their breathing was stressfully shallow and short. A person of faith sidesteps anxiety and stress to move forward in life, as did the Jewish people who regained belief after the ten plagues.
Yosef is described as a ‘handsome’ man, referring to his inner beauty. By evolving your inner qualities, you leverage your capacity to influence the world for the better
Yaakov’s stay with Lavan is described as ‘garti’ – a temporary stay or estrangement. He never viewed amassing wealth with the rich Lavan as his goal, and viewed his stay as temporary, and remained estranged from Lavan’s values, maintaining Taryag Mitzvot.
Society is regulated by a legal system the apex of which is the judiciary. The execution of its wisdoms lie with police – law enforcement. The same is true of our personality. Our Mind is the source of wisdom and together with the energy of compassionate emotions, that wisdom is executed in our actions and…
Yaakov places stones around his head when going to sleep on his way to Lavan. The symbolism: to protect his mind, his true goals, while working for the wily Lavan.
Why circumcise a child at 8 days? Should we not wait till the child attains the age of reason and make decisions then? Commitment goes beyond reason. It is the axiomatic bond that underlies the relationship, not reason. The baby, at 8 days, commits to G-d.
People seek spiritual growth and awareness, which is laudable, but Chassidus teaches us that taking care of our body is equally, if not more, important, for a surprising reason.
