Torah Portion

As the Jewish holiday season ends, the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings remind us how prayer, art, and music can sustain us through the year ahead.

Noah’s sacrifice after the Flood offers a lesson in sincere faith and the importance of doing good without seeking recognition.

In the weeks ahead, Israelis will argue fiercely about the election and the country’s future. Jews elsewhere will have their own arguments about Israel, politics, and the Jewish community's future.

Water is also the thread that connects the festival of Sukkot, which we recently concluded, with the first Torah portion, Parashat Bereishit, read on the first Shabbat after Sukkot.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of that terrible day, this week’s haftarah (Isaiah 61:10-63:9) offers a powerful perspective on destruction, rebuilding, and memory.

As Israel emerges from three years of war, Moshe’s ancient message offers a powerful reminder: surviving tragedy is only the beginning. We must also decide what we stand for.

In a world increasingly focused on personal success, Parashat Nitzavim reminds us that no one stands alone. Our fate is bound together, and we are responsible for one another.

Elul's call to confession requires more than admitting failure. Authentic teshuva also means recognizing personal growth and the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of this generation.

Parashat Ki Tavo teaches that joy is not a luxury but a religious obligation, revealed through gratitude, generosity and serving God with a sincere and joyful heart.

Jerusalem has endured exile and loss, but Isaiah tells her not to look only at what has been destroyed. She must look ahead to what will be rebuilt.