Category Archives: Uncategorized

There are infinite facets to Torah and we have complex relationships with it.  Ideally, we’re supposed to use Torah in order to better and refine the world, both Olam Gadol, the macrocosm of the universe and Olam Katan, the microcosm, … Continue reading →

The previous article, discussing the absurd, yet effective inversion of history by Dotan and Abiram, raises the contemporary issue of narratives and how to evaluate them. Our tradition, actually, provides a set of straightforward techniques to verify/generate statements that, to … Continue reading →

While it makes sense that, as finite beings, we can’t fully observe or understand the infinite levels, effects and implications of mitzvot, each of which are elements of the Infinite Torah, garments, as it were, of the Infinite God, we can be aware … Continue reading →

                    וְכָל מַעֲשֵׂהוּ בֶּאֱמוּנָה      And all of His acts are with Emunah (faith/faithfulness)             (Shabbat/Festival morning liturgy)               … Continue reading →

A number of readers who have enjoyed the articles recently appearing on this blog have said to me, “It’s all well and good to try to make all moments, not just those engaged in ritual, holy.  But how, Rabbi, do … Continue reading →

Every worthwhile goal is both approachable and unreachable.  Ponder that for a moment and apply it to your goals. Our paradigmatic goal in Judaism, and probably all spiritual traditions, is to as closely as possible join ourselves with The Creator. … Continue reading →

This is another of the series of Mussar workshops I assist with.  It’s especially timely as we look forward to Shavuot.  Frankly, without the belief that the Torah is, literally, infinitely more than a tribal history and set of rules, I … Continue reading →

The period between Pesach and Shavuot makes everyone into an expert on the Sefirot. While these terms are too often casually and facilely tossed about, this system certainly can be useful to organize a program of analysis and refinement of … Continue reading →

Yom Yerushalayim (the holy day in 1967 that Jerusalem was liberated from Jordanian occupation and returned to Jewish sovereignty for the first time in almost 2,000 years) should be celebrated across the entire religious spectrum with, at least, a full reading … Continue reading →