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Insights Into Torah and Contemporary Life
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OBSSESSION, ALIENATION AND FINDING A SPIRITUAL BALANCE (Parshat Vayikra)Sefer Vayikra, dedicated to the pursuit of holiness, contains just two stories: one that shows the dangers of spiritual nihilism, and one that shows the risks of distancing people from their spiritual potential. Thoughts on making spirituality more accessible.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander•372 Views•May 3, 2022•Leviticus,Spirituality,Vayikra,Parashat Vayikra,Kedusha,Holiness
MAKING THE WORLD AND OURSELVES WHOLE AGAIN: FREEDOM'S OPPORTUNITY (Parshat Tzav-Shabbat HaGadol)Yachatz and Tzafun are two interconnected sections of the Seder that provide an extraordinary insight into healing ourselves and our responsibility toward a fractured world. My thoughts on a crucial moment during Seder night.
SILENCE AND SANCTIFICATION: THE CONNECTION BETWEEN PARSHAT SHEMINI AND YOM HAZIKARON (Parshat Shemini)In many ways, the pasuk “I shall be sanctified through those near to Me” is the message of Parshat Shemini and Yom Hazikaron. Let's explore the connection between our parsha and those who sacrificed promising futures in sanctification of the State of Israel.
THINGS WE SHOULD *NOT* LEARN FROM "SHTISEL": FERTILITY AND JEWISH LAW (Parshat Tazria-Metzora)Unfortunately, “Shtisel”, which has otherwise managed to present the ultra-Orthodox sector in an authentic way, missed an opportunity to present the issue of fertility as addressed by normative Halakha, which seeks to link contemporary medical progress and eternal Jewish values.
EXPANDING THE ORTHODOX TENT TO INCLUDE GAY AND LESBIAN JEWS (Parshat Acharei Mot-Kedoshim)The parsha contains two p’sukim that, at first glance, appear to contradict each another: the prohibition on a specific act of sexual intimacy between men (“mishkav zachar”) and the command of “v’ahavta l’rei’acha kamocha”. Explore with me as we harmonize these p'sukim.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander•696 Views•May 3, 2022•Vayikra,Leviticus,Homosexuality,Parashat Acharei Mot
MARTYRS OR HATERS? WHY WE MOURN THE DEATHS OF RABBI AKIVA'S STUDENTS (Parshat Emor)The deaths of Rabbi Akiva's students have had an impact on how we understand the process of redemption from Pesach to Shavuot. Were they martyrs or haters? Why do we mourn their deaths? Thoughts on mutual respect and the key to breaking the impasse of Jewish history.
JERUSALEM: THE MANDATE TO REDEEM GOD, THE JEWISH PEOPLE AND THE HOLY CITY (Parshat Behar-Bechukotai)Yerushalayim, the city that ties us together, reminds us of the work still ahead: the responsibility to end the hostility between us and to remain focused on our people’s mission for ourselves and to the world. In loving memory of those who died in Meron. יהי זכרם ברוך
