Lech Lecha - Divine humor

Why is Yitzchak's birth surrounded by so much laughter? Why is the letter 'hei' added to both Avraham and Sarah's names before the conception of Yitzchak? Why is the circumcision a prerequisite for this supernatural birth? Why is it so important that the Jewish people begin in this supernatural and unusual way?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

This week's parsha podcast is also available in text form (for a limited time) on my website on the Parsha page.

Noach - The tzadik's role

Why do the numbers six and seven seem to occur many times in the story of Noach? What is the dual nature of the tzadik's role in the world? What is the connection between Noach and Yosef?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

This week's parsha podcast is also available in text form (for a limited time) on my website on the Parsha page.

We are part of one whole

I found your blog while doing some legwork on Jews in Austin (where my mother was from) and found objectionable the thought that Israeli Jews actually would believe they are living out atonements for the sins of all the Jews in the world. Albeit I might be living in the diaspora of the USA, I would not trade my life for being any closer to the Supreme of the universe by living in Israel.

Best regards,
Joe Rosenberg

Joe,

Thanks for your thoughtful words. If I would come across an article that seemed to say that Jews anywhere are atoning for Jews elsewhere, I would also look it askance. The concept of vicarious atonement is not a Jewish one. Judaism teaches that all Jews are responsible for each other - meaning that we are one people who have a purpose in the world to be leaders. We also are obligated to try to make use of our unique God-given talents and compensate for any weakness that may exist elsewhere, serving Hashem to the best of our abilities, no matter where we are in the world. Our job is not to 'atone' for others, but rather to try to do our best as part of a wonderful whole called the Jewish people.

I am sorry if you had gotten any different impression from what I wrote.

Ari Goldwag

Bereshis - subduing the ego

What is the deeper understanding of the seduction of the snake? How does one use his free will to emulate Hashem? What is the fundamental nature of Hashem's free will, and how does He choose? How does this apply to our everyday lives?

Find out in this week's Parsha Podcast.

This week's parsha podcast is also available in text form (for a limited time) on my website on the Parsha page.

Shmini Atzeres - V'zos Habracha

What is the significance of the fact that Simchas Torah is always on Shmini Atzeres? Why is it that V'zos Habracha is the only Parsha that does not need to be read on a Shabbos? Why is the Torah specifically completed on this day? What is the significance of what Hashem showed Moshe right before his demise?

Find out in this special edition of the Parsha Podcast.

Succos, willows and water

What is the significance of the water libation ceremony? Why was it accompanied by the joyous water drawing festival? What is the significance of the Willow ceremony that was done in the Temple? What is the significance of the fact that the willow does not have a taste and smell? Why is the willow referred to as a 'river willow?' What does all this have to do with Succos?

Find out in this special edition of the Parsha Podcast.