From My Notebook

In this weeks Torah Portion, Ki Sisa, G-d threatens to wipe out the Jewish people and start a new nation from Moshe. How does Moshe have the courage to refuse this opportunity and to demand forgiveness for the Jewish people?

What can we learn from the commandment to have an everlasting flame? Even the flame of a candle, while providing light, flickers back and forth. This can teach us an important lesson in our daily lives.

In Parshas Terumah we are given specific detailed instructions on how to construct the mishkan. What can we learn from the fact that G-d was so detailed in His instructions and how can we cultivate greater connections with our friends, family, children, and spouse?

What is the difference between people that we will help no matter what is needed that those whom we would rather not help at all? It is all about the relationship!

In Parshat Yitro, Moshe's father in law, Yitro, makes the suggestion for Moshe to appoint judges to help him. What can we learn from the fact that even Moshe Rabbeinu needed help? Never be afraid to ask for help.

When the Jews left Egypt they had complaint after complaint. At what point do we look at life and decide that while it might be nice to have more, we are satisfied with our current situation?

In this week's parsha the Jews have the opportunity to bring holiness down into this world by placing blood on the doorpost. We have this opportunity everyday by engaging in physical mitzvahs.

A difficult but important aspect of life is embracing who we are so that we can then make the choice to cultivate ourselves. This was Paroh's mistake. He wasn't willing to go against his nature.

Moshe Rabbeinu almost wasn't born due to his parents separating as a result of Pharoh's decree. What can we learn from Miriam who was able to convince her parents not to separate and encouraged her parents to remarry?

Ever have the situation where you are talking about watching something (a sports game or movie) and the other person already saw it and you need to tell them "don't tell me!" What can we learn from this?