Shows
The Light of the TorahReclaiming the Torah - Shavu'ot 2023/5783This week we look toward the Sages for some wisdom where we will find a lesson for the upcoming holiday of Shavu'ot.
2023-05-2605 min
The Light of the TorahAmalek: An Ideological Battle - Shabbat Zachor 2023/5783On Shabbat this week we read the passage about Amalek from the Torah. Our Sages taught that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story and Megillat Esther, was of Amalekite descent. So, on the Shabbat preceding Purim, we read through the obligation to remember the evil actions of this ancient tribe, to erase their memory from existence, and to never forget it... Can you spot the issue here? Something is clearly off with this commandment! How can we resolve these conflicting messages? A bit of help from civil rights activist Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. can help us understand...
2023-03-0310 min
The Light of the TorahShabbat & Community - Parshat Beshalach & Yitroלעילוי נשמת עליה בת מיכאל ע״ש
What is Shabbat? Is it just a day of rest? Is it a day to connect with the Almighty? Perhaps it's a day of bonding with those closest to us and connecting with our community at large. As we delve into last week's Parsha, Parshat Beshalach, as well as this week's Parsha, Parshat Yitro, we examine the unique commandment to observe the Seventh Day as a day of rest, a day of sanctification, a day dedicated to connecting with the Omnipresent. We will find that in Pirkei Avot (the Ethics of our Fathers) how important a sense of community is also a fundamental eleme...
2023-02-1006 min
The Light of the TorahCounting Blessings - Parshat Bo 2023/5783Life. Is. Tough. There's no two ways about it. And through all of the struggle and turmoil that we undergo, the ability to recognize all the good that we have becomes quite a challenge; at times, it doesn't seem like the presence of the Almighty is in our midst.
By examining this week's Parsha and the commandment to commemorate all of the wonders and miracles G-d performed for us, we can get a little—but valuable—lesson about miracles and how important it can be to count our blessings.
Enjoy and Shabbat Shalom!
2023-01-2604 min
The Light of the TorahConfidence - Parshat Va'era 2023/5783"For a man with a slow tongue he talked a lot."
~ Tevye the Milkman in reference to Moses, Fiddler on the Roof
As Tevye points out, Moshe Rabbeinu spoke a lot despite having a hard time with words. What's the deal with that and why is this an issue? I'll tell you... I don't know. But, there is a valuable lesson to learn in confidence, as well as an underlying message to take away about seeking help, by examining the early leadership of Moshe (and Aharon his brother and spokesperson) in this week's Parsha. Enjoy!
2023-01-2006 min
The Light of the TorahThe Book of Genesis, the Tale of Humanity - Parshat Vayechi 2023/5783The fact of the matter is: humanity is flawed. That seems to be a recurring theme throughout Sefer Bereisheet, the Book of Genesis (the first of the Chamishah Chumshei Torah, the Five Books of Moses). By following the lead of the characters in this Book, we can take away many lessons and learn how to overcome common obstacles as imperfect beings. On a deeper level though, why is this book included in the Torah despite not sharing much with the other four? Have you ever wondered why these stories make up the first of the Five Books? Watch the video...
2023-01-0506 min
The Light of the TorahFamily Politics, a Universal Plague - Parshat Mikeitz & Parshat Vayigash 2022/5783We all suffer from the phenomenon known as "family politics." The quarrels between family members is a universal occurence, something we can all relate to, and an issue we all struggle with. This week, we examine the encounter and reuniting of Yosef and his brothers and how Yosef overcomes this challenge as a lesson for us all.
2022-12-2908 min
The Light of the TorahTake Action, Lest it be too Late - Parshat Vayeishev 2022/5783This week, the eldest of the twelve sons of Jacob, Reuven, has an important lesson to teach us: simply saying something with the right intention is not sufficient in effectuating positive change. Rather than vocalizing our greivances and opinions we must stand up for our beliefs by taking action, because sometimes it can become too late to correct the situation.
2022-12-1607 min
The Light of the TorahThe Virtue of Vulnerability - Parshat Vayishlach 2022/5783Through all of his trials and tribulations, with all of his mishaps and pitfalls, Yaakov Avinu comes out a greater man. How? Vulnerability with G-d.
"Katonti" by Yonatan Razel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEVRSKH54fs
2022-12-0914 min
The Light of the TorahRivka: the Archetypal Matriarch (Part II)Last week we analyzed Rivka Imeinu (the second Matriarch Rebecca) and her character traits of kindness and hospitality. We also discussed the example she set and the tenacity it required to willingly and completely uproot your life in efforts of making a better reality for yourself, just as did Rivka. This week we continue to analyze the character traits of our second Matriarch, specifically the other qualities she possess that make her the "Archetypal Matriarch," such as her strategic and highly-intelligent mind. There is so much to learn from the qualities she possesses to morph us into better people.
Shabbat...
2022-11-2513 min
The Light of the TorahRivka: the Archetypal Matriarch (Part I) - Parshat Chayei Sarah 2022/5783This week we examine our second matriarch, Rivka (Rebecca). Her kindness, compassion, and hospitality make her the perfect wife for Yitzchak (Issac), and have a powerful takeaway for us all. But Rivka's personality and character extends beyond the story we learn this week...
2022-11-2110 min
The Light of the TorahSurrounding Yourself with the Righteous - Parshat Vayeira 2022/5783This week we will examine what truly saved the life of Lot and what can be learned through the story of his rescue from Sodom, plus a little bit of wisdom from the Ethics of our Fathers (Pirkei Avot).
2022-11-2108 min
The Light of the TorahFind Yourself! - Parshat Lech Lecha 2022/5783This week we look towards Avraham Avinu and take away one of the most crucial lessons we can to have a future full of meaning and fulfillment.
2022-11-2107 min
The Light of the TorahActions Have Consequences - Parshat Noach 2022/5783This week we learn about the story of the Flood and Noah's Ark. We will make the case for Noach being a righteous person, not just amongst his generation, as well as realize the lesson to be learned that our actions—whether they are good or bad—can have either negative or positive consequences.
2022-11-2108 min
The Light of the TorahThe Light of the Torah - Parshat V'Zot HaBracha & Beteisheet 2022/5783There is a great lesson to be learned from the passing of Moshe Rabbeinu in regards to our Service of G-d at the end of Parshat V'Zot HaBracha, and the key lies in the Creation of Light, the beginning of Parshat Bereisheet.
2022-11-2107 min
The Light of the TorahWe All Make Mistakes... Even the Greatest Among Us - Parshat Ha'azinu 2022/5783This week we discuss Parshat Hashavua and about the Tragedy of Moshe, as well as what we can take away from it right after the Aseret Yemei Teshuva.
2022-11-2110 min
The Light of the TorahBe Strong! Be Courageous! - Parshat Vayeilech 2022/5783Parshat Vayeilech might be short, but one of its greatest lessons can have a huge impact on our lives.
2022-11-2104 min