The battle of life is real. Our minds tell us one thing but our hearts another. Spiritually this too is represented by the battle of the Gdly soul with the primal soul. Who we are and what we are becomes the prize, depending on who is the victor!

Bechukotai: The last Parsha in the book of Leviticus.

It contains within the profound concept that we all revere “freedom of choice”. But also underscores the results of bad choices.

We specifically read this Parsha before the upcoming Festival or Shavuot.

Why? Listen here for a most unique and uplifting insight!

Behar — advice from Mount Sinai.

We don’t live to work rather we work to live and to elevate the mundane. Small nuances and tweaks to life can accentuate the depth and meaning of our existence!

Countdown!!

We tend to do that when we look forward to something with expectation. In a novel approach— Judaism teaches us to count up. After all, when it comes to true appreciation and self development we need to be mindful of today’s achievements and blessings and then utilize them for even greater good! More on that….

Does History Repeat Itself?

The story of the middle Matzah provides insight into this and provides the clue to how we can celebrate our Heritage despite the challenges that have befallen our nation this past year.

Next Year in Jerusalem!!

Why is this year different thank all other years?

Yes, it’s different. We’ve had an extremely challenging year but the secret of Jewish survival is embedded in the Passover Seder. We don’t pretend that life is perfect, to the contrary— but we do receive the strength to power on as we connect with the Almighty G-d who continues to take us out of Egypt!

Shemini - The Eight Day!

Things don’t happen overnight — not even for Moses and Aaron. Lessons from the greatest leaders, applicable for us all in our lives!

Vayakhel:

It’s a grand address and the response is overwhelming. The nation of Israel step forward with absolute generosity of heart and creativity of the soul to create an abode for G-d. It’s a magnificent Parsha — after all, constricting a house for G-d at its core is a magnificent opportunity!

Ki Tisa — The relationship between G-d and the Jewish nation graduates to the next level. No less than the worst blunder by the people to G-d is perpetrated but the ways of Hashem are the ways of forgiveness. And what doesn’t kill you — makes you stronger — in this case, literally!!

Terumah:

Contribution from the heart. We have social responsibility, communal responsibilities, taxes and fees but ultimately when it comes to G-d’s contribution and the way we live our lives — the generosity of our hearts is what’s encouraged. Opportunity vs responsibility is the way to create a true abode for the Divine!