ב"ה
Shavuot 5767 - May 22, 2007
Holidays
Of Life and Logos
Does Shavuot not seem somewhat orphaned and bereft of imagery? What prominent symbol do we hold aloft to represent the season of the Giving of the Torah?
Does Shavuot not seem somewhat orphaned and bereft of imagery? What prominent symbol do we hold aloft to represent the season of the Giving of the Torah?
Yes & No
Can there be a relationship which is defined by what it is not, rather than what it is? Actually, every marriage starts as such, and our relationship with G-d is no exception.
Can there be a relationship which is defined by what it is not, rather than what it is? Actually, every marriage starts as such, and our relationship with G-d is no exception.
The Philosophy of Sleep
Why did the Jews go to sleep the night before getting the Torah? “Because sleeping on Shavuot night is sweet, the night is short, and the mosquitoes did not bite!” Is there a deeper meaning lurking behind this odd Midrash?
Why did the Jews go to sleep the night before getting the Torah? “Because sleeping on Shavuot night is sweet, the night is short, and the mosquitoes did not bite!” Is there a deeper meaning lurking behind this odd Midrash?
How Do We Know That We Heard G‑d at Sinai?
The greatest conspiracy theory of all time is materialism. The second greatest conspiracy theory is that the Jews invented the Torah...
The greatest conspiracy theory of all time is materialism. The second greatest conspiracy theory is that the Jews invented the Torah...
Judaism
The Ten Commandments: The Inside Story
The Ten Commandments lay the foundation for our relationship with G‑d and our fellow man. Here’s how . . .
The Ten Commandments lay the foundation for our relationship with G‑d and our fellow man. Here’s how . . .
The Meaning in the Order
It is amazing to me how ten simple utterances could provide the basis for an entire civilization. And not only did they apply to the people then, but they do just as much for each and every one of us now...
It is amazing to me how ten simple utterances could provide the basis for an entire civilization. And not only did they apply to the people then, but they do just as much for each and every one of us now...
The Jewish Woman
Living a Life Through Faith
What does it mean to live a life inspired by faith? like drinking of a cool stream, it is a profoundly rejuvenating experience that can empower us in our struggles for days, or months, to come...
What does it mean to live a life inspired by faith? like drinking of a cool stream, it is a profoundly rejuvenating experience that can empower us in our struggles for days, or months, to come...
When the Static Stops
Every day we travel down the highway of life. Yet there are times that we are tuned in and the reception is perfect and other times that we are so far away that all we hear is static...
Every day we travel down the highway of life. Yet there are times that we are tuned in and the reception is perfect and other times that we are so far away that all we hear is static...
Living
Free Trial Period
It was the commercial that first attracted me. Then there were the bonus gifts, and by the time my free-trial period was up I'd forgotten that my credit card was being billed monthly...
It was the commercial that first attracted me. Then there were the bonus gifts, and by the time my free-trial period was up I'd forgotten that my credit card was being billed monthly...
I Can Show You the Pictures
There were 30 boys, 30 dads, and an even greater number of photo and video cameras
There were 30 boys, 30 dads, and an even greater number of photo and video cameras
G-d's Nourishment
Dressed in the clothes of a simple wayfarer, the Baal Shem Tov would travel from town to town and from hamlet to hamlet, asking questions
Dressed in the clothes of a simple wayfarer, the Baal Shem Tov would travel from town to town and from hamlet to hamlet, asking questions
Parshah
Naso - Numbers 4:21-7:89
Laws of the Nazir and the wayward wife, priestly blessings and twelve identical inauguration offerings.
Laws of the Nazir and the wayward wife, priestly blessings and twelve identical inauguration offerings.
The Hiding Wife
It is a “descent for the sake of ascent,” a crisis in the marriage which ultimately deepens and enhances it by unearthing deep wells of loyalty and commitment which remain untapped in an unchallenged relationship.
It is a “descent for the sake of ascent,” a crisis in the marriage which ultimately deepens and enhances it by unearthing deep wells of loyalty and commitment which remain untapped in an unchallenged relationship.
The Nazir and the Nazirite Vow
The nazirite is a holy calling—rising above the mundane by observing a meticulous lifestyle
The nazirite is a holy calling—rising above the mundane by observing a meticulous lifestyle
The Priestly Blessing
The kohanim remove their shoes and extend their hands, fingers parted and palms stretched outwards; the congregation hide their faces under their prayer shawls. What is the deeper significance of this celestial ritual?
The kohanim remove their shoes and extend their hands, fingers parted and palms stretched outwards; the congregation hide their faces under their prayer shawls. What is the deeper significance of this celestial ritual?
Do Jews Believe in Sin?
To the fire-and-brimstone types, the word smells of shame and scorched flesh. To the hedonist it sounds like fun. Some think it's a wholly Christian concept while others ascribe it to the ancient Hebrews. To the sages of the Talmud, it is, above all, an act of profound stupidity
To the fire-and-brimstone types, the word smells of shame and scorched flesh. To the hedonist it sounds like fun. Some think it's a wholly Christian concept while others ascribe it to the ancient Hebrews. To the sages of the Talmud, it is, above all, an act of profound stupidity
Tasting Life’s Bitter Waters
You are married, or intensely committed, to a vision, a goal, a dream. Then along comes life . . .
You are married, or intensely committed, to a vision, a goal, a dream. Then along comes life . . .
I am the L‑rd your G‑d . . .
— Exodus 20:2
Print Magazine
It’s G-d’s world. Everything He gives is good, the sweetest good.
But it is often a good far too great for us to understand. We imagine it is not good, because that’s the only way to make sense of it with our small minds.
Yet the truth is, He gives us all the good we can handle. If we could take more, He would g...
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