From My Notebook

In this week's parsha, Kedoshim, G-d tells the Jewish people to be holy. The Jewish people are also given the commandment to love your fellow man as you love yourself. What can we learn from these two ideas and what influence does it have on our own lives?

The Shabbos after Pesach there is a custom to make 'shlissel' challah. Challah with a key baked inside it. What can we learn from this interesting tradition?

What can we learn from the death of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu? What does it mean to love someone the way they want to be loved?

In this week's parsha, Metzora, we read how the Kohein purified the Metzora. What can we learn from this and what does it mean to really judge someone from head to toe.

In this week's parsha, Tazria, we read about the metzora. Someone who had to leave the community temporarily and what they have to do to be accepted back. What can we learn from this and what does it mean to be compassionate when someone feels as though they are on the outside looking in.

The parsha, Shemini, tells us that Aharon faced the tragedy of losing his sons with silence. Why would the Torah tell us this and what can we learn about the power of silence in healing.

In this week's parsha, Tzav, we are told that the altar must remain burning at all times. What can we learn from this for our own relationship with Judaism?

What does it mean when our Sages say that the Jewish people completed their acceptance of the Torah on Purim? Does earning something rather than receiving a gift really make a difference?

Sometimes taking a small walk and sharing a smile with another person is all they need.

In this week's parsha the Torah tells us that a group of wise hearted artisans built the furnishings for the Mishkan. Why does it mention that they were wise hearted?