Parsha Shoftim, which means ‘judges’, opens on the topic of appointing judges at all community gates. In episode 16, Rebbitzin Shira discusses why, as individuals, we are charged with guarding our own personal gates as well; making ourselves a suitable dwelling place for Hashem. The month of Elul is an ideal time to work on connecting with and returning to Hashem as we gear up for the High Holidays.

This week Rebbitzin Shira examines how Parsha Eikev highlights the mitzvah of mezuzah. A mezuzah on our doorpost is a soul-awakening reminder that we are here to serve Hashem with love and joy.

In Episode 13 Rebbitzin Shira teaches that the concept of the ‘cities of refuge’ that is revisited in Parsha Va’etchanan represents our ability to seek safe haven and have our souls revived through learning and living Torah.

Rebbitzin Shira examines how anger can cause even a tzaddik like Moshe to forget himself, forget his duties, and lose access to internal resources, while emphasizing that remembering ‘Hashem is before us always’ can help us control our tempers, stay aligned, and retain access to divine goodness.

Rebbitzin Shira discusses the idea that, much like each portion of eretz Israel is divinely given to each tribe in Parsha Pinchas, our own life circumstances are divinely given to us by Hashem as part of our life purpose.

Rebbitzin Shira explores how Parsha Balak encourages us to connect with Hashem in moments of fear, and teaches us to embody the incredible power of leadership.

Parsha Chukat exemplifies the value that every Jewish woman brings to her home and community by highlighting the miracles given to the Jewish nation through Miriam’s merit.

Parsha Korach illustrates that love has the power to speed up the manifestation of our blessings.

In Parsha Shelach we discover that Hashem wants us to connect with him, not by removing ourselves from the physical world to “be spiritual”, but rather by intentionally engaging with the physical world; becoming holy through our actions and choices.

Parsha Behaalotecha teaches us that Hashem always gives us second chances.