To Dispense Love
Oct 30, 2010 By Abigail Treu | Commentary | Text Study | Hayyei Sarah
Sometimes our Torah─the Torah I teach, anyway─is very abstract. Sometimes, though, I feel called back to the basics. This midrash is one of those calls.
Read More
Transforming Jealousy
Nov 10, 2010 By Abigail Treu | Commentary | Text Study | Vayetzei
Be it parenthood or a good job or the latest [fill-in-the-blank-of-your-heart’s desire], it is difficult, in our material culture, not to want what others have. We know we shouldn’t covet—that’s one of the Ten Commandments, after all—but we can’t control the way we feel.
Read More
Personal Transformation
Nov 20, 2010 By Andrew Shugerman | Commentary | Vayishlah
A close examination of Genesis 34 and contemporary responses to its narrative will show how one of the Torah’s most troubling passages can inspire us to take action. We must, in the words of Proverbs 31:8, “speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.” We must address similar injustices in today’s society in order to protect the living.
Read More
Between Hope and Doubt
Oct 15, 2011 By Andrew Shugerman | Commentary | Text Study | Sukkot
After the High Holy Days, I sometimes feel torn between feelings of hope and feelings of doubt regarding humanity’s prospects for improvement. At the very least, it helps me to know that our ancient Sages understood this emotional tension.
Read More
Small Crimes, Big Punishment
Oct 29, 2011 By Charlie Schwartz | Commentary | Text Study | Noah
This week’s midrash has a rather shocking answer to the question of why the world deserved to be wiped out in the days of Noah.
Read More
Gifts to God
Nov 5, 2011 By David Levy | Commentary | Text Study | Lekh Lekha
The midrash seems to be pointing out that we can learn from Abraham: we are to give a gift to God when we receive good news.
Read More
Sustaining Our Hearts
Nov 12, 2011 By Andrew Shugerman | Commentary | Text Study | Vayera
On its face, this midrash may seem to state the obvious: that eating bread gives one energy. After all, a look at our food packaging today reveals the ingredients and nutrients contained in any given product. This text, however, teaches that not all nourishment comes in physical form. The deceptively simple statement that “bread strengthens the heart” and the prooftexts that follow it actually provide a subtle commentary to the notion that “man does not live on bread alone” (Deut. 8:3); indeed, we derive sustenance at least as much from our gratitude for the company we keep and for the blessing of hospitality.
Read More
Honoring Teachers
Nov 26, 2011 By David Levy | Commentary | Text Study | Vayetzei
Picking up on the surprising mention of Abraham as Jacob’s father, we learn an important lesson about the roles different people can play in our lives. Each of us who has been taught by someone is obliged to honor him/her as we would our parents. And the extension of this teaching is that each of us has the potential to play this important role in someone else’s life.
Read More
