"NOT ALL HATE IS CREATED EQUAL"- p. Tazria-Metzora

The parsha teaches the tragedy of being alone and separate, but our 2,000 year galut is exactly that. Because of the universality of anti-Semitism, we unfortunately sometimes tend to make simplistic associations, & lump all this hatred together, as if it's the same. Yes, Iran hates us like the Nazis did, but today's war on all accounts is totally different, and we must thank G-d on Yom HaAtzma'ut for all those differences.

The True, Shining Face of Humbleness

Parashat Hashavua: With Trust in the “Rock of Israel and its Savior”

THE WORLD IS READY FOR ISRAEL'S BODY-SOUL HARMONY- Parshat Shmini

The modern world has only recently discovered what Judaism always knew: the body and soul nourish each other. Today we all know children on diets to stay away from certain physical foods which negatively influence their personality or behavior, e.g. certain artificial colorings increase impulsivity and restlessness, especially among ADHD. Conversely, modern medicine knows we can psychosomatically mentally "think" ourselves into being physically sick, which will even show up on our physical blood-tests. Psychosomatic illnesses are the "missing link" that proves physical actions (mitzvot) aren't just symbolic. If the mind can make the body sick through stress, the body can "heal" the soul through structured, purposeful physical actions. We are essentially using the body's hardware to "reprogram" the soul's software. This interplay between the physical and spiritual are an essential part of Rav Kook's Torat Eretz Yisrael whose time has come, but does this apply outside of Israel and to gentiles, as well?

Arrogance and Bachelorhood

Parashat Hashavua: The Extent of our Guarantor Status

Five Reasons for Torah Sacrifices

"ON KVETCHES & PROPORTIONS"- Haftarah of Vayikra

Jews have an understandable tendency to Kvetch, but Yishayahu teaches us in the Haftara of Vayikra that in the process of ge'ula, we must learn to appreciate and focus on the positive and not complain so much. We should not tell G-d how to run His redemption, and in fact, we can understand the complaints about 3 AM sirens to shlep down 3 flights to the shelter with a child on each arm and a third on your shoulders on an average of once a night, but don't forget that just 2 weeks ago it used to be several times a night (and thank G-d we have shelters!). For decades the worst scenario imagined in Israel was a full-scale war with Iran, our largest, most sophisticated enemy with the most oil, Russian aid and nuclear plans. Well, that day is here, and we must profusely thank G-d and the IDF for pre-empting them with unprecedented intelligence, and professionalism to take out their entire leadership, anti-aircraft missiles and blow up their boats, planes and launchers pitifully uncontested. Our complaining shouldn't hide the glory of the G-d-sent victory, which COULD NOT HAVE BEEN ANY EASIER (except were more Jews willing to share the burden).

Parashat Hashavua: Re“calling” Moshe

MI LAHASHEM ELAY- THE TORAH MINDSET- P. Ki-Tisa

Parashat Hashavua: Torah from the Heaven, and the Reuniting of Broken Pieces

Superficial Spirtuality

Parashat Hashavua: The Persian Empire, the Golden Calf, and the Divine Presence

Light Up the World!

Parashat Hashavua: Joint Rachel/Leah Leadership and Megillat Esther

Who's in the Center?

Parashat Hashavua: Rachel, Leah, and King David – What Happened? – part V

REFINING 'PATIENCE' W/ KIDS WHO LEAVE 'DERECH'

There's a common question today: how to deal with the unfortunate phenomena of children from religious homes who somewhat leave Torah. This innovative approach shows how to stay sane, not blame ourselves, and even turn that issue from being a major problem, into a G-d given opportunity to improve one of the 13 G-dly traits we are meant to emulate: Erech Apayim (Patience).

The Half-Shekel – Then and Today

Can We Have Both Truth and Peace?