Exodus Chapter 34, Verse 29

So Moses came down from Mount Sinai. And as Moses came down from the mountain bearing the two tablets of the Pact, Moses was not aware that the skin of his face was radiant, since he had spoken with God.

וַיְהִ֗י בְּרֶ֤דֶת מֹשֶׁה֙ מֵהַ֣ר סִינַ֔י וּשְׁנֵ֨י לֻחֹ֤ת הָֽעֵדֻת֙ בְּיַד־מֹשֶׁ֔ה בְּרִדְתּ֖וֹ מִן־הָהָ֑ר וּמֹשֶׁ֣ה לֹֽא־יָדַ֗ע כִּ֥י קָרַ֛ן ע֥וֹר פָּנָ֖יו בְּדַבְּר֥וֹ אִתּֽוֹ׃ 

Ki Tissa gives us the story of the Golden Calf.  But today I focus on a lesser known verse describing Moses as he came down from the mountain...his face radiant with God's presence. 

Join me to discover how to bridge the gap between us and the divine.  It is easier than you think.

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Exodus Chapter 23, Verse 5

כִּֽי־תִרְאֶ֞ה חֲמ֣וֹר שׂנַֽאֲךָ֗ רֹבֵץ֙

תַּ֣חַת מַשָּׂא֔וֹ וְחָֽדַלְתָּ֖ מֵֽעֲזֹ֣ב ל֑וֹ עָזֹ֥ב תַּֽעֲזֹ֖ב עִמּֽוֹ:

In Parashat Mishpatim, we find more than 50 commandments or mitzvot. One, however, gives an important life skill that so many of us could use in this crazy world.  BE NICE.

Even if you do not like another person, the Torah text is clear.  It is our obligation to help them so they do not suffer a burden.  Perhaps we can apply this to our everyday lives.  

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Exodus Chapter 18, Verse 1

וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע יִתְר֨וֹ כֹהֵ֤ן מִדְיָן֙ חֹתֵ֣ן משֶׁ֔ה אֵת֩ כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשָׂ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ לְמשֶׁ֔ה וּלְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עַמּ֑וֹ כִּֽי־הוֹצִ֧יא יְהוָֹ֛ה אֶת־יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל מִמִּצְרָֽיִם

After taking a few weeks off, I am back with Parashat Yitro.  Now that we are in the Book of Exodus, the stakes have been raised.  Our ancestors are building a society and preparing for the 10 Commandments.  

But in verse one of the Torah Portion, Yitro teaches us the power of observation. It is a reminder to listen...and notice all that God can do.  Such an important message in a difficult world.

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Genesis Chapter 45, Verse 2

Today I am inviting you to be vulnerable as you build relationships.  In the spirit of Joseph's story, we might all be better people if we lean into our emotional side.  

In the story, Joseph is overcome with tears as he reconnects to his family.  At this holiday season when relationships often seem strained, this skill is deeply helpful.  Enjoy this one verse as you move into 2026.

Happy New Year.

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Genesis Chapter 41, Verse 16

This week I am talking about miracles.  It is Chanukah which coincides with Parashat Miketz and the story of Joseph's dream.  Pharaoh considers Joseph's talents miraculous.  But Joseph attributes everything to God.

We can learn from this to look for more miracles around us.  Even as the world looks darker every day.

Happy Chanukah.

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Genesis Chapter 33, Verse 4

After Thanksgiving, gratitude is on my mind.  In this verse, I reflect on the relationship between Jacob and Esau.  We can learn from their actions that gratitude can always lead to friendship.  In a simple moment, we see the power of this soul trait.

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Genesis Chapter 28, Verse 16

God is in this place, and I almost did not realize it!  This verse has always spoken to me for its simplicity and grace.  If only we could notice the amazing ways that God appears in the world.

After a dream about the angels climbing Jacob's ladder, Jacob awakens to an epiphany.  God is here!  Everywhere!

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Genesis Chapter 27, Verse 1

What does it mean to REALLY be there for another person.  The verse today focuses on the relationship between Esau and his father Isaac.  In a touching moment before the chaos of deception that will come soon, Esau completely gives himself to his dad.  

If only we could all have this intimacy every day.  Hineni--Here I Am! 

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Genesis Chapter 25, Verse 8

Today I explore a little studied verse from the end of Chaye Sarah.  Typically people focus on the beginning of the portion and Sarah's death.  Instead, I look at the moment that Abraham "expires" and "dies"...mellow and contented.  

The Rabbis ask why two different words are used to describe his death.  The answer may help us all live a better life.

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Genesis Chapter 18, Verse 2

Today, I am joined by Rabbi Adam Morris from Temple Micah in Denver on the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah.  Together we explore the Parasha Vayera and Abraham's incredible ability to graciously welcome others into his life.  Using his example, this verse gives us a map to being the best version of ourselves.

Edited by: Rabbi Josh Bennett

Original Music Composed by: Ben Chutz

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Web: https://www.temple-israel.org/wakinguptolifepod 

You can get this podcast anywhere you get your media.  Join over 10,000 listeners who have been inspired by the show.

And if you have someone with a story to tell, please contact me at [email protected]