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My Mother Baked the Whole World For Me – Parshat Emor
My parents' house in Omer. Every Shabbat evening my grandmother would light Shabbat candles on the tea cart that stood between the kitchen and the dining room. Perfumed. Her white hair combed back. She brought her palms together, covered her face. Closed her eyes and blessed. The house became silent. Listened. […]
Parshat Shmini -A Silent Minute for the Bird
Parashat Shmini is named after the day on which the dedication of the Tabernacle reached its climax. After a week of precise and detailed preparations, Aaron and his sons bring the divine presence into the Tabernacle. At that height of the moment, a great tragedy occurs. The young priests Nadab and Abihu, the two chosen sons of Aaron the priest, sin in forbidden work and disobey the laws of the sacred service. They are punished for their actions and die. […]
God Is In The Details – Parshat “Tetzaveh”
"Torah shows us that the truth, both the divine and ours, is found in our faith in the power of the connection of opposites." This week's parashah explores the power in the connection of opposites. Ran Oron, reminds us that "In these days of turmoil in our hearts we must insist on the power of connection." […]
Tips for the IDF Reservist After 126 Days at War By Yuval Linden
What a series of intense, wild events! Every time that you think things are calming down and you'll have … […]
And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day: [the men among] you should not go near a woman.” Exodus 19:15
Ayala Deckel, Head of the BINA Secular Yeshiva, reflects on In this week’s portion, Yitro, we reach a dramatic moment in our formation as a people: receiving the Ten Commandments – the value base of our nation, our moral compass… […]
What We Can Learn From Miriam About Leadership During Times of Crisis
BINA contributor and supporter, Ran Oron, discusses what we can learn about leadership from Miriam during the exodus of Israelites from Egypt in this week's Torah portion. […]
On the Hardening and Strengthening of Hearts | Parshat Vaera | Elliot Vaisrub Glasenberg
What can we learn from the story of Pharaoh and the hardening of his heart in our day and time? Read more in this week’s edition of BINA’s commentary on the weekly Torah portion, this time by BINA educator Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg on Parashat Vaera >>> […]
These Are the Names – Parashat Shemot | Ayala Deckel
Ayala Deckel, Head of the BINA Secular Yeshiva, reflects on the connections between this week’s Torah portion – Parashat Shemot (which literally means “Names”), and the names and stories of the the fallen and the captives in the Israel-Gaza war. Click to read this week’s edition of BINA’s commentary on the weekly Torah Portion >>> […]
“All human actions are founded upon dreams and their end too is a dream”* | Parashat Miketz
In this week’s edition of BINA’s commentary on Parashat Hashavua (the weekly Torah portion), Nir Braudo, Executive Director of BINA, explores what we can learn from the Joseph story as we dream and work for the release of those held captive in Gaza. Shabbat Shalom. […]
The measure of heroism and the measure of kindness || Yuval Linden
Yuval Linden describes his experience with the historical debate of "Do we light a menorah according to Shamai or Hillel?" We invite you to read and see how this age-old debate played out in a modern way, and what was the final decision of Yuval's army unit was on how to light their menorah this Hanukkah. […]
“Together We Will Prevail?” | Parashat Vayishlach
What exactly do we mean by “prevail”? Over who or what exactly will we prevail? What would that look like? How will we know that we have indeed “prevailed”? When will we know? And is war even something in which anyone can truly “prevail” or “win” or “be victorious”? How does this relate to Parashat Vayishlach? […]
Parshat Vayetze | Gili Dvash Yeshurun
I feel a little bit like Jacob right now. I’m turning to the heavens and requesting from his holiness or God or karma to prove itself. Come and show yourself to me. Come and prove that you are on our side. Send me signals that the good will overcome the evil, the conniving, the conspiracies, and the hardnesses of the heart. […]
Kabbalat Shabbat these last weeks – an Interview with Vered Avidan
This week, Marcie Yoselevsky, External Relations Associate at BINA speaks with Vered Avidan about leading Kabbalat Shabbat these last weeks. […]
Together We Will Prevail " – Parshat Toldot Ayala Deckel – 2023 – 5784"
Parashat Toldot, presents a painful model of togetherness – "together we will prevail" is the togetherness of difference. Of those who recognize and give space to the differences among them and yet still are able to come together for common goals. […]
Reflections on the events in Israel – an Interview with Ayala Dekel
Marcie Yoselevsky, External Relations Associate at BINA speaks with Ayala Dekel, Head of the BINA Secular Yeshiva. Can you describe for us what life has looked like for you, both at home and at work, since Oct 7? […]
Finding Meaning in Repetition: Rosh Hashanah and Weekly Protests
How is it already the end of the summer? How are we again preparing for Rosh Hashanah? I am going into Rosh Hashanah this year thinking about traditions and repetition. Marcie Yoselevsky In an article for Rosh Hashanah about Finding the meaning of rituals […]
Baseless Hatered and Brotherly Love | Tisha B'Av 2023/5783
As we approach Tisha B’Av, Israel is in a period of turmoil and BINA is part of the chorus of voices talking – shouting when we need to – about social responsibility, pluralism and the future we yearn to build. What do the traditions of Tisha B’Av offer us in this moment? Read more in this article by Marcie Yoselevsky, the newest member of BINA’s External Relations team. […]
The Magic of Purim | BINA
Ayala Deckel, the Head of BINA Secular Yeshiva, discusses the Book of Esther, the lessons we can learn from Esther and Vashti, and the concept of putting on a costume to change our persona. Why is Vashti looked down upon while Esther is praised? What lessons can we learn from Esther’s courage? How do Purim costumes connect with our everyday lives and self-discovery? […]
Tu Bishvat Seder | A Celebration of Time & Place
BINA is pleased to offer our special Tu Bishvat Seder: A Celebration of Time & Place! Celebrate the holiday by reading select passages from songs and Jewish texts related to the holiday and nature […]
The Sweet Beauty of Rosh Hashanah / Emma Lillianthal
On Rosh Hashanah, we celebrate the creation of the world and the start of a new year. It is a … […]
