Torah Studies

Judaism: It's a Lifestyle

Judaism Isn't Content to Lurk in a Corner

Many hobbies and interests consume a person, eventually turning into an entire way of life. And really, the Torah is right up there on that list. With its opening narrative of the story of Creation, this is the story the Torah tells.

The Buck Stops Here

Preserving Principles in a World of Shifting Values

Most would agree that emotions and logic are key ingredients to a successful relationship: It's got to make sense, and it's got to feel right. But in our relationship with G‑d, there's a critical third ingredient-found in the difference between Noah and Abraham

Equilibrium Is Overrated

If You've Never Navigated Conflict, Who Says You Can?

No one likes conflict, yet we all admire those who can successfully navigate through it. But Israel's dual description as being both a ''gift'' and an ''inheritance'' teaches us that as tempting as equilibrium is, the confidence that emerges from resolving the tempest of discord might just be even greater.

G‑d Is Natural

It's Never Too Early to Start Talking about G‑d

G‑d, religion, spirituality -it all sounds so abstract and sophisticated. Surely, it's not quite a topic for young children? Or maybe it really isn't for anyone? The story of a young boy's tears shed about G‑d informs us that this is decidedly not the case.

When You Reach Your Breaking Point, Blow Right Past It

The Impossibility of Breaking and Not Breaking at the Same Time

The very notion seems ridiculous: How can you blow past your breaking point if you've already been broken? That's where the Chanukah miracle -as contrasted with Sarah's miraculous oil -comes into play: to tell us that when we're plugged into our faith, we can do the impossible.

When in Doubt, Just Be Nice

All Things Being Equal, Generosity Wins the Day

For many situations in life, the objectively appropriate response isn't too hard to figure out, as long as we're honest. But what about those instances when you can truly go either way? When G‑d made Isaac look like Abraham and not the other way around, He taught us to err on the side of being too nice.

The Spiritual Trifecta: Jacob's Self-Help Formula

Lessons from the Oblique Attack of King Friedrich of Prussia

Hey, we can learn life lessons from anyone - warring European kings included. Sure enough, a brilliant military attack launched in 1757 provides a valuable tool for life -one already employed millennia earlier by Jacob: instead of attacking the weak points, reinforce the whole army.

Haters Are Going to Hate. Don't Bother with Them

Keep Doing What You're Doing and They'll Melt Away

No one likes haters, but oftentimes, they're just part of life's reality. Instead of wasting time trying to disprove or beat them, our forefather Jacob taught that when you focus on what you need to do, you'll eventually overwhelm the opposition anyway.

Don't Miss the Point

Torah Study: Spiritual Exercise or Academic Pursuit?

It's silly to go on vacation and be on your phone all day answering emails. Well, to study Torah and not realize you're connecting with G‑d while doing so is just as silly. From the depths of a miserable pit full of snakes and scorpions, Joseph's story implores us not to miss the critical point.

It's Never Too Dark in Your Life

Your Soul Makes You Naturally Predisposed to Light

''Never despair!'' they told you; ''all is never lost!'' Really? Yes, really. For the Jew with a soul and a luminescent way of life, there really is no corner in life beyond recourse. This is the message calling out to us from the lights of the Chanukah menorah standing in the doorway.

The Jewish Fast Day: A Time for Mourning?

Surprise: It's Not about Hurting Yourself

You're hungry, yearning for caffeine, and in need of a nap. Is that really what Jewish fast days were designed for? Unsurprisingly, the literature reveals that it's actually nothing of the sort, as you'll find in this refreshing look at what would seem to be very un-refreshing days.