“One blesses the bad as one blesses the good. One blesses the good as one blesses the bad.” – Mishna Berakhot, Chapter Nine Blessings are what we as Jews use to articulate our spiritual experiences. Just as lighting a candle with a blessing means that we are bringing light and holiness into our lives, so, …
As Moshe describes the blessings and the curses that God offers to the children of Israel in this Torah portion, we come face to face with the essence of the Shema, “Hear O Israel, Adonoi our God, Adonoi is One”1. These words preclude dualism and fragmentation of any kind; there is only Oneness. Moshe tells …
In anguish, our matriarch Rebecca clutches her hugely enlarged belly and cries out, “If it’s to continue like this, what is to become of me?” (Genesis 25:22) She is pregnant with very active twins; within her body a physical struggle rages that foreshadows a troubled relationship between Esau and Jacob. The prayed-for pregnancy leads to …
A Jewish folktale tells the story of a great teacher named Reb Zusya. When Zusya knew that he was dying his students gathered to learn from him and they noticed that he was white and shaking. “Reb Zusya,” they said to him, “What is wrong? Are you cold?” “No,” answered Zusya, “I am frightened.” His …
In Parshat Sh’lach, Moses sends the spies into the land of Canaan at God’s recommendation (Numbers 13). Commentators have pondered why it was crucial to send the spies in the first place. Was it not enough that God had already determined, stated, and promised the Israelite’s place of destination? Their homeland was awaiting them, but …