Genesis gives us the first foundations of human life. Each story plants a seed. That seed later grows through individuals, families, nations, and history. The first chapters introduce renewal, freedom, temptation, responsibility, jealousy, exile, and hope. These are not only…
I. Simcha Is Tzmicha How does Torah Judaism understand happiness? What is Jewish joy?Jewish joy is growth. That is the simplest way to say it, and the truest. Sukkot is called “Zman Simchateinu” — the Season of Our Joy —…
Introduction: A Promise That Seems to Defy Experience Deuteronomy 28 speaks plainly. If the Jewish people listen to G-d, their lives will be blessed. The chapter names health, food, work, children, security, and national strength. If they turn away, those…
Introduction "וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ... וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ... וְלִשְׁמֹר אֶת מִצְוֹת ה'... לְטוֹב לָךְ" "And now, Israel, what does the L-rd your G-d ask of you but to fear the L-rd your…
Introduction "וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ... וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ... וְלִשְׁמֹר אֶת מִצְוֹת ה'... לְטוֹב לָךְ" "And now, Israel, what does the L-rd your G-d ask of you but to fear the L-rd your…
Introduction "וְעַתָּה יִשְׂרָאֵל מָה ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ שֹׁאֵל מֵעִמָּךְ כִּי אִם לְיִרְאָה אֶת ה' אֱלֹקֶיךָ... וּלְאַהֲבָה אֹתוֹ... וְלִשְׁמֹר אֶת מִצְוֹת ה'... לְטוֹב לָךְ" "And now, Israel, what does the L-rd your G-d ask of you but to fear the L-rd your…
What Is a Brit? A Precise Definition The word brit is usually translated “covenant” — but that English word is nearly as opaque as the Hebrew. To understand what a brit is, we first need to clear away three things…
Introduction We tend to think of emunah — faith, or more precisely, faithfulness: a deep, abiding trust and orientation toward G-d — as a light switch. Either it is on or it is off. Either you believe in G-d or…