How do we create a Jewish community that honors different perspectives?

In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Ilana Gleicher-Bloom explore Parshat Vayakhel and its vision of community. They discuss how Moshe transforms Bnei Yisrael from a fragmented group into a … Read the rest

The post Vayakhel 5785: Building a Diverse Mishkan first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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What is it that makes us join together with different groups?

Over the past two parshiot, we’ve seen two gatherings, one in which the people gathered to create the Golden Calf, and another in which they gathered to build the … Read the rest

The post Vayakhel 5784: Gathering With Intention first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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The Sanctuary’s washbasin came from mirrors donated by the Israelite women. Yet, Rashi’s comment raises some doubts that Moses had regarding the propriety of using these mirrors, items that are generally used for feminine beautification. This opens a discussion of … Read the rest

The post Vayakhel-Pekudei 5783: The Washbasin – Sanctuary and Sexuality first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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Parashat Vayakhel 5782: Repairing Even the Worst Ruptures

Description: Even after warning against all forms of constructive creativity in the Ten Commandments, the Torah explicitly warns now against using fire on Shabbat. Legal ramifications aside, the prohibition against fire cautions … Read the rest

The post Parashat Vayakhel 5782: Repairing Even the Worst Ruptures first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

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The exterior courtyard of the Mishkan/Tabernacle was dominated by a large bronze altar, used for animal sacrifice. In this podcast, we consider some of the altar’s unusual features as we ponder the deeply symbolic ritual associated with it. While animal… Read the rest

The post Vayakhel Pekudei 5781 – The Altar of Sacrifice first appeared on Elmad Online Learning.

Continue reading Vayakhel Pekudei 5781 – The Altar of Sacrifice at Elmad Online Learning.