![Finding Atonement After Sin](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Matt_Berkowitz_updated_headshot-300x300.jpg)
Finding Atonement After Sin
Apr 3, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Shemini
Parashat Shemini opens with the initiation of the Tabernacle altar.
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The Soul Is Pure
Apr 3, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
The “preliminary prayers” recited at synagogue each morning are rarely encountered; even if you arrive 15 minutes after the published starting time for a service that might last more than three hours, you will miss those first important words. This fills me with real sorrow, for within this section of Siddur Sim Shalom for Weekdays (4–13) are remarkable, beautiful affirmations and reflections. In previous weeks, we looked at Adon Olam, focusing especially on the way the poet entrusts body and soul to God each night. So, in the morning, it is natural to give thanks for one more day of life, and to reflect on who we are as human beings, composed of body and soul.
Read More![The Light of Passover](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/david_hoffman-300x300.jpg)
The Light of Passover
Mar 25, 2013 By David Hoffman | Commentary | Pesah
Why did the Rabbis use the word light when they intended darkness? The Hebrew word leila (לילה) would certainly have worked. Why did the Rabbis not say what they meant?
Read More![The Secret of Shmurah Matzah](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Matt_Berkowitz_updated_headshot-300x300.jpg)
The Secret of Shmurah Matzah
Mar 25, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Pesah
One of the centerpieces of seder night is the eating of matzah, the unleavened bread.
Read More![Isaiah: Visions and Wellsprings of Salvation](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/barth__dr._samuel_square.jpg)
Isaiah: Visions and Wellsprings of Salvation
Mar 25, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary | Pesah
It is often interesting to look closely at the haftarot (readings from the Prophets), and wonder about the juxtaposition of texts, themes, and ideas; what is this text looking to tell us or provoke/inspire within us?
Read More![Josephus and the Theologies of Ancient Judaism](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jtslogo_pms173___high_res_square-1-300x300.jpg)
Josephus and the Theologies of Ancient Judaism
Mar 25, 2013 By Library of the Jewish Theological Seminary | Public Event audio
A Discussion with Dr. Jonathan Klawans, Author, JTS, March 19, 2013, 7:30 PM
Read More![Stoking the Perpetual Fire of Freedom](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Matt_Berkowitz_updated_headshot-300x300.jpg)
Stoking the Perpetual Fire of Freedom
Mar 20, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Shabbat Hagadol | Tzav
As we approach the festival of Passover, the domestic excitement and drama increase. This anticipation is seamlessly reflected in Parashat Tzav.
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Approaching Pesah, Part 2: Who Are the Children at the Seder?
Mar 20, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary | Pesah
Let me offer a few thoughts on the part of the seder that has continually enchanted me since I was a child. The Haggadah presents four “types” of children, labeling each and offering directives to the parents on how to respond to each type. This is based upon four verses in the Torah that instruct the Children of Israel to explain (to their children) the rituals of Pesah. The Haggadah assumes that if something is repeated four times, with different language, that there must be a reason: that there are different types of children, each needing a different response.
Read More![The Family Story](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/arnie_eisen-300x300.jpg)
The Family Story
Mar 20, 2013 By Arnold M. Eisen | Commentary | Shabbat Hagadol | Pesah
I asked what part of the seder you most enjoy; whether any aspect of it bothers you; which piece of the Exodus story, if any, means a lot to you personally; and how, or if, you relate to the seder as a religious ceremony. Here’s what I learned from what you told me.
Read More![Beyond the Four Questions: Creating Fun and Meaningful Seders for Children](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/miller__deborah-300x300.jpg)
Beyond the Four Questions: Creating Fun and Meaningful Seders for Children
Mar 19, 2013 By Deborah Miller | Video Lecture | Pesah
Ever wonder how to make the seder fun and meaningful for youth and children? Join Dr. Deborah Miller as she explores the rich educational structure of the seder while giving practical tips and advice on how to keep children ages 0 to 15 engaged in this powerful ritual.
Read More![Bridging the Particular and the Universal](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Matt_Berkowitz_updated_headshot-300x300.jpg)
Bridging the Particular and the Universal
Mar 13, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Vayikra
With the opening of the book of Leviticus and its keen focus on sacrifices this coming Shabbat, many laypeople and clergy alike begin an exegetical struggle for connection and relevance.
Read More![Animal Sacrifice on an iPad: Finding Meaning in Va-yikra](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/schwartz_charlie-300x300.jpg)
Animal Sacrifice on an iPad: Finding Meaning in Va-yikra
Mar 13, 2013 By Charlie Schwartz | Commentary | Vayikra
I would like to offer three of the many approaches to Va-yikra that might help infuse our reading of the book with meaning beyond flying goats and calves.
Read More![Approaching Pesah, Part 1: “Turning the Heart”](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/barth__dr._samuel_square.jpg)
Approaching Pesah, Part 1: “Turning the Heart”
Mar 13, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary | Pesah
Two seemingly disconnected texts offer an insight into the experience of Pesah. On Shabbat Hagadol (the Shabbat before Pesah, this year on March 23), the haftarah from Malachi ends with the powerful words, “before the coming of the great and awesome day of God I will send you the prophet Elijah; he will turn the hearts of parents to [their] children, and the hearts of children to parents” (Mal. 3:23).
Read More![Of Leadership and Investment: A People Engage](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Matt_Berkowitz_updated_headshot-300x300.jpg)
Of Leadership and Investment: A People Engage
Mar 6, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Pekudei | Vayak-hel
Parashat Vayak-hel-Pekudei continues the building of the Tabernacle—detailing the materials, craftsmanship, appurtenances, and its completion.
Read More![“In God’s Hand I Place My Soul” (Part 2)](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/barth__dr._samuel_square.jpg)
“In God’s Hand I Place My Soul” (Part 2)
Mar 6, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
Last week we took a brief look at the balance between the majestic theological description of God with which Adon Olam opens, and the more intimate, even tender recounting of the poet’s relationship with God in the final stanzas. These final verses begin with two short words that articulate a quite extraordinary claim: “Vehu Eli” (For He is my God).
Read More![Meaning in Métier](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/treu_abigail_2.jpg)
Meaning in Métier
Mar 6, 2013 By Abigail Treu | Commentary | Pekudei | Vayak-hel
The midrash suggests that the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was given not because God needed such a thing, but to show the world—Israelites included—that the Israelites had been forgiven for the sin of the Golden Calf. It is curious, though, that such a gesture would be given as a do-it-yourself assignment.
Read More![Through the Door of Life: A Jewish Journey Between Genders](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/joy_ladin-300x300.jpg)
Through the Door of Life: A Jewish Journey Between Genders
Mar 5, 2013 By Joy Ladin | Public Event audio
Dr. Joy Ladin, David and Ruth Gottesman Professor of English, Stern College for Women – Yeshiva University, discusses her work Through the Door of Life: A Jewish Journey Between Genders.
Read More![Pesah: A Liberating Experience for Women](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/judith_hauptman-300x300.jpg)
Pesah: A Liberating Experience for Women
Mar 4, 2013 By Judith Hauptman | Commentary | Pesah
There is no festival more home- and family-oriented than Pesah. Sukkot may run a close second, but the seder places Pesah way ahead. Although celebrating at home with a lavish family meal should make this holiday a pleasure to anticipate, for many women this is not so. The painstaking conversion of the kitchen from leaven-filled to leaven-free status has turned the Festival of Freedom into an intense period of domestic labor rather than a celebration of personal and national liberation. That was not the intention of the halakhah.
Read More![“In God’s Hand I Place My Soul” (Part 1)](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/barth__dr._samuel_square.jpg)
“In God’s Hand I Place My Soul” (Part 1)
Feb 27, 2013 By Samuel Barth | Commentary
There are moments when our prayers and spiritual poetry (piyyutim) make profound declarations about life and death, about humanity and God. Often these moments are recognized as awesome and important, and there is a sense within the synagogue community of this significance; for example, in asserting the unity of God (the Shema’), God’s holiness (the kedushah), and the role of destiny (“Unetaneh tokef” on Rosh Hashanah).
Read More![The Art of Torah](https://www.jtsa.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Matt_Berkowitz_updated_headshot-300x300.jpg)
The Art of Torah
Feb 27, 2013 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Ki Tissa
Too often, the arts are underappreciated in the Jewish community.
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