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 […]

Naso (Num. 4:21-7:89)  By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger This week’s Torah portion, Naso, is the longest portion spanning an incredibly wide range of topics capturing the multifaceted nature of our spiritual journeys. From the census of the Levite families to the details of camp purification, the laws of the Sotah (a woman accused of […]

Bamidbar 5784 (Num. 1:1 – 4:20) In the Wilderness by Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blogger This week’s Torah portion, Bamidbar, is the first portion of 4th book of the Torah. In English, this book is referred to as the Book of Numbers; in Hebrew, this book is called Bamidbar, meaning “in the wilderness.”  In our […]

Parashat Behar Leviticus 25:1–26:2 By Jen Smith, Guest Blogger In Parashat Behar we are instructed to assist someone who is struggling. Rashi explains that this means we should help them before they hit rock bottom, as it would require much more effort to help them recover afterward. This seems straightforward, so why does Rashi feel […]

EMOR Leviticus 21:1–24:23‎   By Jen Smith, Guest Torah Blog Writer In this week’s Torah portion, Emor, which means “Speak”, God imparts a profound instruction to the landowners:  When you reap the harvest from your land, you shall not remove the corners of your field… For the poor… shall you leave them… (Lev. 23:23).  God’s directive […]

Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1–20:27) Guest Blogging By Jen Smith Gossip: Preventing a Triple Homicide In Parashat Kedoshim, we are called to embody holiness in every aspect of our lives. From acts of charity to fair business practices, from honoring our parents to treating strangers with compassion, the Torah outlines a blueprint for creating a society founded […]