Torah Studies

Prosaic Holiness

Your Most Distant and Unholy Moment Is G‑d’s Greatest Opportunity

The reality of life for so many is a series of banal, mundane, and oftentimes downright unholy moments. What are we supposed to make of this frustrating situation? A lesson from the lifespan of a fruit in Jewish law teaches us that G‑d is best found in precisely these moments.

A Jew Is a Jew, Is a Jew, Is a Jew

Appreciating the Untouchable Preciousness of Every Jew

The Four Species we shake on the Sukkot holiday famously represent four different types of Jews. From the way the Torah describes each plant, we learn a valuable lesson about the immutable value of every Jew–regardless of what they do, or do not do.

You’re Never Alone

A Unique Solution to a Dreadful Societal Problem

Even in the age of connectivity and the proliferation of something called “social media,” people have never been more lonely. A niche law in the Torah’s treatment of a servant provides a poignant companion to anyone at any time: G‑d Himself.

Gratitude Is Good for You

Saying “Thank You” Isn’t Just about Doing the Right Thing

The benefits of feeling and expressing gratitude are well explored. A somewhat obscure law about dedicating fields to the Temple brings us to a surprising perk: expressing gratitude can bring tangible goodness into your life.

The Most Precious Thing in the World

Every Moment of Torah Study Is an Infinite Opportunity. Literally.

Is the Torah just a really nice moral code? A great history book? A book of laws? Can it, or will it, ever change? Discover the true value of our people’s defining book

Portal to Infinity

Sinai: The Day That Changed Everything

The Jewish people have always treasured our sacred book, the Torah. But what does that mean for an average person who hasn’t the time or head to be a full-time academic? Is there value to just dabbling here and there? Discover the answer through a Sinaitic lens.

There’s No Such Thing as an Antisemite

They Really Hate G‑d, Not Us

Antisemitism is the world’s oldest and strangest form of hate. No matter the reason or circumstance, people just can’t stop hating the Jews. It turns out that it’s really G‑d they hate. And if that’s the case, we’d do well to trust in G‑d and rely on Him to defend Himself.

“Live Free or Die” Is What G‑d Wants

The Watershed Moment When Truly Choosing G‑d Was Born

It would seem that it’s a binary choice: doing what I want, or doing what G‑d wants. But G‑d’s ambivalent reply to the Jew’s request to send spies teaches us that if we work hard enough, we can get the best of both worlds.

The Universe Begins with One Person: You

Navigating the Great “Universalism vs. Particularism” Debate

The pendulum of history has swung back and forth on this question: What’s more important: the collective, or the individual? Discover how the Torah’s original rabble-rouser, Korach, made a bold, ambitious claim that, one day, will be proven correct.

As Metal Is Cast, So Is Our Mettle Forged

True Strength and Deep Commitment Emerge from the Smelting Pot of Life

Seldom do the Jews sing in the Bible. But when they do, it’s glorious. A closer look at the only two instances of such song and who led the cast brings us to a profound conclusion about the tzuros (sufferings) of life: they’re the best thing to ever happen to us.

Do Not Negotiate

Sometimes It’s Best Not to Answer At All

Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where everyone engaged in honest dialogue, asking questions not to challenge or deride, but only to genuinely learn? Sadly, that isn’t our world (yet). A garish story in the Torah teaches us that when someone isn’t looking for an answer, it’s best not to engage at all.

“Make Israel Here”

Discovering the Unique Meaning of Every Stage, Place, and Part of Life

Competing forces, people, and urges vie for your attention in every stage of life. A unique story of talking lottery pieces teaches us to stop, focus, and drill down into whichever stage you’re at right now. Tomorrow, you’ll focus on tomorrow.