Vayeshev. When Communication Fails
Israelis often pride themselves in being direct. In Israeli slang, this is called speaking “doogri”, straight talk. Is this good?
Vayishlach. Insignificant Verses - Really?
Maimonides, addressing the divinity of the Torah, says that the verse "Timna was a concubine" is equivalent to "Shema Yisrael!
Lech Lecha: Sins and Virtues of our Avot and Imahot
Can religious figures be open to criticism? What happens when the Bible narrates their sins?
Bereshit. Are Morals Innate?
Adam and Eve were EXPLICITLY instructed not to eat from the tree. In contrast, murder or fratricide had not been explicitly outlawed! Humani
Vayeshev. Would you Kill your Brother?
Joseph made his intentions clear that he wanted to lead the family to a new future. That, it seems, IS a reason to resort to violence
Vayishlach. Is Antisemitism Inevitable?
Is antisemitism a virus that is borne in every generation, waiting to pounce, or is Jew-hatred itself a temporary aberration of history
Chayei Sarah. Social Seclusion
When should we integrate in secular society and when should we advocate for seclusion and separateness?
Vayera. Don't Curb Your Enthusiasm
Merely showing up in life just isn’t enough. Drifting along with no passion for living... your acts are contaminated!
Lech Lecha. Is Faith Innate or Acquired?
Questions of faith are not a threat; they are an opening to move from childhood or childish belief to a more sophisticated conception of God
Noach. The Challenge of Technology
“If a person fell and died, they wouldn’t pay attention to him/her but if a brick fell, they would sit and cry and say: how are we going t
