Start Building Now

Start Building Now

The portion this week begins with the laws of vows. The great Chassidic master, Rabbi Tzadok HaCohen ztl, established the following rule of biblical interpretation: the first place a particular word is used in the Torah is the word’s essence, its foundation, and...
Battle Back with Blessings

Battle Back with Blessings

In Jewish tradition, one can pray for others in both formal and informal settings. Simply saying “Be well!” — or, as Mr. Spock put it, “Live long and prosper!” — is a prayer. Even the most common term used for greetings in Hebrew is...
In the Mind’s Eye

In the Mind’s Eye

You spot that fresh, warm chocolate cake, just pulled from the oven, calling out to you. The sweet, rich cocoa aroma invites you to help yourself to a healthy sized piece and savor the embrace of the fudge on your palate. The experience will overwhelm your emotions...
Make a “See” Change

Make a “See” Change

Before entering the land of Israel, the Jewish people asked to send in spies to understand the challenges they would face as they conquer the promised land. Moses sent twelve spies, all respected representatives of each of the twelve tribes. Among them were the...
A Manna of Perspective

A Manna of Perspective

G-d blessed the Jewish people with the miraculous Manna to collect each morning as they traveled and camped in the desert. Most, of course, were grateful for this daily sustenance, literally a gift from Heaven, but many of them complained. “If only we had meat!...