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Insights Into Torah and Contemporary Life
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COUNTING OUR DAYS: THE JOURNEY IN CREATING A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD (Parshat Emor and Parshat Behar)What is the purpose of verbally counting the days between Pesach and Shavuot? Why does Shavuot lack any specific mitzvot (unlike Sukkot, Pesach or Rosh HaShana)? Thoughts on Sefirat HaOmer and the journey by which we mark our relationship with God.
5G HOLINESS: CREATING A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD EVERYWHERE (Parshat Acharei Mot and Parshat Kedoshim)While the Temple is where the presence of God is most manifest, true holiness is found when we are outside its precincts, forging a relationship with God and members of society in our everyday lives. Thoughts on the names "Acharei Mot" & "Kedoshim."
SACRIFICING OUR SPIRITUALITY FOR THE GROWTH OF OTHERS (Parshat Shemini / Parah 5782)The message of Parah Adumah: often when helping others, we can become sullied. To inspire others often requires both physical and spiritual sacrifice, and that's ok. After all, isn't that what we say about God? Thoughts on this week’s special Torah reading.
SHABBAT HAGADOL: EXPLORING OUR ENGAGEMENT WITH GOD (Pesach 5782)Shabbat Hagadol receives its name from its special Haftorah reading from the final chapter of the Book of Malachi. Why was this section chosen? It doesn't even mentioned the holiday of Passover! Thoughts on its redemptive holiday message.
PURIM AND THE PARSHA: MAKING A DIFFERENCE (Parshat Tzav 5782)Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik taught that if you want to understand how to deal with a contemporary issue, look at the parsha or upcoming holiday. Thoughts on what Purim and Parshat Tzav communicate to us regarding the mandate to make a difference for refugees from Ukraine.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander•492 Views•March 15, 2022•Esther,Megilat Esther,Mordechai,Purim,Tzav,Parshat Tzav
BEING A PRIESTLY NATION DURING A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS (Parshat Vayikra 5782)Sefer Vayikra is called "Torat Kohanim" not only because it focuses on Temple ritual, but because it also speaks about the responsibility of the Jewish people to be a priestly nation ("mamlechet kohanim") promoting justice against injustice.
Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander•526 Views•March 23, 2022•Annihilating the Memory of Amalek,Shabbat Zachor,Vayikra,Zachor,Parshat Vayikra
WHEN CREATIVITY IS LOST: UNDERSTANDING RITUAL PURITY (Parshat Tazria 5782)One of the most challenging concepts to understand in Judaism is ritual/metaphysical impurity (Tum'ah). What is it? How do we define it? How must we respond to it? Thoughts on Parshat Tazria.
