Moshe doubts that he will be able to convince Bnei Yisrael that he was sent by Hashem and he doubts that Pharaoh will heed his command to free Bnei Yisrael. Hashem responds differently to each of these concerns. What can this teach us about self-doubt and supporting those who need encouragement?
Moshe doubts that he will be able to convince Bnei Yisrael that he was sent by Hashem and he doubts that Pharaoh will heed his command to free Bnei Yisrael. Hashem responds differently to each of these concerns. What can this teach us about self-doubt and supporting those who need encouragement?
פרשת יתרו What transforms an external encounter with God into internal intimacy? Through notarikon (Jewish letter mysticism), students discover that God’s first word at Sinai, אָנֹכִי, secretly contains the message: “I gave My very soul into this writing.” Drawing on Beer Mayim Chaim and Likutei Moharan, students explore how a single letter (the כ) signals […]
פרשת יתרו What transforms an external encounter with God into internal intimacy? Through notarikon (Jewish letter mysticism), students discover that God’s first word at Sinai, אָנֹכִי, secretly contains the message: “I gave My very soul into this writing.” Drawing on Beer Mayim Chaim and Likutei Moharan, students explore how a single letter (the כ) signals […]
There are a number of directions that this limmud can go: to explore the notion that all mitzvot have significance even if we do not always relate to them or understand them; that even “minor” halakhot have a role in the goal of making us into an am kadosh; that Jewish morality’s uniqueness lies not […]
This limmud, based on a Rashi at the beginning of Mishpatim, looks at the teacher’s role in balancing fluency with deeper understanding. It teaches that while repetition helps students remember, guiding them to meaning and reasons helps them integrate their learning in a more impactful way.
There are a number of directions that this limmud can go: to explore the notion that all mitzvot have significance even if we do not always relate to them or understand them; that even “minor” halakhot have a role in the goal of making us into an am kadosh; that Jewish morality’s uniqueness lies not […]
This limmud, based on a Rashi at the beginning of Mishpatim, looks at the teacher’s role in balancing fluency with deeper understanding. It teaches that while repetition helps students remember, guiding them to meaning and reasons helps them integrate their learning in a more impactful way.
The Mishkan’s wooden planks contain a hidden secret: קרש (plank) is the letters of קשר (bond) rearranged. The Shem MiShmuel uses this to explore the connection between Torah learning (sweet like honey) and mitzvah performance (described as a foundation). Students discover that a complete Jewish life requires three elements: knowledge, action, and the kavvanah that […]
The Mishkan’s wooden planks contain a hidden secret: קרש (plank) is the letters of קשר (bond) rearranged. The Shem MiShmuel uses this to explore the connection between Torah learning (sweet like honey) and mitzvah performance (described as a foundation). Students discover that a complete Jewish life requires three elements: knowledge, action, and the kavvanah that […]
פרשת תצוה details ה׳’s instructions to משה regarding the preparation of the pure olive oil for the מנורה and the making of the בגדי כהונה for אהרן and his sons who are to be consecrated as כהנים. Detailed instructions are given for their garments, including the חושן, אפוד, מעיל, כתונת, מצנפת, and אבנט. The פרשה […]
Moshe was to speak to the Chachmei Lev (wise of heart) before they made the special garments for Aharon. But what exactly was Moshe to say to them? The Chatam Sofer tells us that he did not give them instructions–he inspired them by uncovering their special abilities.
פרשת תצוה details ה׳’s instructions to משה regarding the preparation of the pure olive oil for the מנורה and the making of the בגדי כהונה for אהרן and his sons who are to be consecrated as כהנים. Detailed instructions are given for their garments, including the חושן, אפוד, מעיל, כתונת, מצנפת, and אבנט. The פרשה […]
Moshe was to speak to the Chachmei Lev (wise of heart) before they made the special garments for Aharon. But what exactly was Moshe to say to them? The Chatam Sofer tells us that he did not give them instructions–he inspired them by uncovering their special abilities.
This limmud explores the spiritual danger of being singled out and the remedy the Torah provides. Through an experiential counting ritual, students discover how distinction can lead to forgetting our Source and to separation from the community. The Tiferet Yosef’s teaching on the half-shekel offers a practical tool: embracing incompleteness as a way to stay […]
This limmud explores the spiritual danger of being singled out and the remedy the Torah provides. Through an experiential counting ritual, students discover how distinction can lead to forgetting our Source and to separation from the community. The Tiferet Yosef’s teaching on the half-shekel offers a practical tool: embracing incompleteness as a way to stay […]
This limmud highlights the relationship between aesthetics (a word you may need to define for some students) and spirituality. As Rabbi Sacks points out, all religious art is intended not as art for art’s sake but rather because it points to something transcendent beyond the art itself.
This limmud highlights the relationship between aesthetics (a word you may need to define for some students) and spirituality. As Rabbi Sacks points out, all religious art is intended not as art for art’s sake but rather because it points to something transcendent beyond the art itself.
