Eikev Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25 Jen Smith – Guest Torah Blogger There’s an old Jewish tradition that suggests we should all carry two slips of paper in our pockets. On one, it says, “The world was created for me,” and on the other, “I am but dust and ashes.” This wisdom, attributed to Reb Simcha Bunem, an […]
Va’etchanan Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11 Jen Smith – Guest Torah Blogger The Rambam (Maimonides, 1138-1204) explained that prayer is talking to God every day. The Hebrew word for prayer is Tefillah, is a reflexive verb that means to “judge oneself.” It is not just about reading or singing the words to which we may or may not […]
Devarim Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22 By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger This week, we usher in the fifth and final book of the Torah, known in Hebrew as Devarim (Deuteronomy). Devarim is unique among the other four books of Torah because it primarily features Moses’ last speeches to the Israelites as they prepare for life in the […]
Matot-Masei Numbers 30:2–36:13 By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger This week, we delve into the profound depths of the double Torah portion Matot-Masei, which concludes the Book of Numbers. These parashot are rich in themes that encompass the power of speech, the journey towards spiritual maturation, the balance between justice and mercy, and the preparation […]
Pinchas Numbers 25:10–30:1 By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger This week’s Torah portion, Parsha Pinchas, is full of dramatic events and profound lessons. Named after the grandson of Aaron the High Priest, this portion highlights themes of zealotry, divine reward, true leadership, and ultimately, the continuity of the Jewish people. Heavy stuff! After witnessing an […]
Parsha Balak Numbers 22:2–25:9 By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger In this week’s Torah portion, Balak, the king of Moab (for whom this portion is named), hires the prophet, Balaam, to curse the Israelites. Balak is willing to pay a substantial sum for the curse, assuming the payment would be motivation enough, even when Balaam […]
Parashat Chukat Numbers 19:1–22:1 by Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger In this week’s parsha, Chukat, we encounter one of the Torah’s most enigmatic passages: the laws of the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah.) This mysterious ritual was intended for the purification of individuals who physically encounter death. Even King Solomon – the wisest of all men […]
Shelach Numbers 13:1–15:41 By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger Empowered Positivity This week’s Torah portion, Shelach, is focused on the plan to enter the Promised Land. Moses sends 12 spies to explore the land, charged with discovering if the Promised Land is flowing with milk and honey, or ruled by giants. Ten of the twelve spies returned to […]
Beha’alotecha Numbers 8:1–12:16 by Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger In this week’s Torah portion, Beha’alotecha, we continue to unveil the secret behind the balance of achieving unparalleled greatness while also maintaining profound humility. Is it possible for a human to fully embody humility while also being the best? This paradox is present from the very […]
