When we are jealous, we measure our value by others’ success. We can’t be like others. We were born to be ourselves. When we accept that limitation, we begin to shine.
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Beshalach, Life Is Beautiful, The Jewish Faith »
Nothing To Fear But Fear Itself
On March 4, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his first inaugural address. America was in the grip of the Great Depression. Economic activity had stalled. Banks were afraid to lend. Businesses were afraid to expand. The economy had seized up—not from a lack of resources, but from paralysis. Roosevelt identified the real enemy as a “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror,” and then uttered the words that became iconic: “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Historians will note that Roosevelt did not invent the phrase. Centuries earlier, Montaigne taught that fear of an event often paralyzes us more than the event itself. Roosevelt merely tapped into this timeless truth—and in doing so, gave voice to a nation’s unspoken anxiety. His words became a rallying cry that helped unfreeze a terrified economy. Read the full story »
Why Jews Need An Army
When we want to pray, our minds wander; it is a battle to maintain concentration. When we want to give to charity but feel drawn to use the money for ourselves, we are at war with ourselves. When we struggle with lust, greed, dishonesty, pride, anger, and envy, we are at war.
Fostering Empathy In Our Children
Moses was chosen for his empathy. He learned empathy from his parents. We mold our children into what we model for them. It is our sacred duty to model empathy.
Don’t Waste A Crisis
You can be free wherever you are. Even if your body is incarcerated, your mind and soul can be free.
A Diaspora Blessing that Gives us Courage
Every Friday night, we bless our children with the words, “May G-d make you like Ephraim And Manasseh.” Why them of all people in Jewish history?
The Bondi Massacre: Choosing to Live for G-d
Fifteen Jews were murdered in Bondi purely for being Jewish. They died for G-d, the least we can do in their memory is choose to live for G-d.
Stop Dreaming
In the aftermath of the Bondi Attack, we might want to hide our Judaism and blend in. This essay cautions us against living a lie.
The Only Absolute Truth
Do you peddle in relative truths, or are you a stickler for the absolute truth? This essay examines the two types of truth and posits that G-d’s truth is absolute.
We Are Never Alone
Sometimes we feel utterly alone in the world. The Torah reminds us that we are never alone. G-d is always at our side.
Parsha Insights »
With G-d’s Help
The Torah tells us to appoint judges and guardians at the gates of our cities. The city’s gathering place was usually at the gates, making it the fitting place for the courthouse and police station. However, Jewish scholarship has long maintained that there is a parallel teaching here. We are …
Yearly Cycle »
Sukkot: A Time for Unity
Alone In Our Thoughts
I sit at my desk late at night and reflect on the day that just passed. It was Yom Kippur today, a day filled with prayer, song, meditation and study. My mind turns to the last few moments of the holy day and I remember standing at …
Concepts »
Behaaloscha: Love Your Fellow
When Your Brother Does Wrong
Several weeks ago, on Shabbat afternoon, we had a fascinating discussion. How should we respond when we learn through the media that our fellow Jew has behaved improperly or even immorally? Should we jump to condemn and separate ourselves from the crime lest it reflect badly …
Rabbi’s Desk »
What Can We Do?
These past two days have been the most difficult for our people in the last fifty years. It was Simchat Torah, a time for rejoicing, yet it was a time of horror. Nearly a thousand members of our family were brutally murdered, more than a hundred were taken hostage, and …
