At the end of the nineteenth century, as many European nations underwent processes of national revival, Jews too were compelled to re-examine the essence of their collective identity. This awakening was not only a response to persecution and exclusion, but a deeper search for a renewed identity, one that would integrate an ancient heritage with the modern needs of a community redefining itself. […]
Seven times Joseph weeps, more than any other person in the Torah. He does not cry when he is thrown into the pit, nor when he is sold to the Ishmaelites. He does not weep when cast into prison, nor when betrayed by his companions there. He does not weep from happiness at his success. Seven times he weeps, but only in his encounters with his brothers, with his father, in the presence of, or facing, his family. […]
In this era of corporations becoming central players in the economic, social, and environmental arenas, there is growing demand that they demonstrate moral responsibility beyond the bottom line. The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reflects an approach in which companies must act ethically, take responsibility for their impact on society and the environment, and serve as partners in building a just and sustainable world. […]
Seven times Joseph weeps, more than any other person in the Torah. He does not cry when he is thrown into the pit, nor when he is sold to the Ishmaelites. He does not weep when cast into prison, nor when betrayed by his companions there. He does not weep from happiness at his success. Seven times he weeps, but only in his encounters with his brothers, with his father, in the presence of, or facing, his family. […]
What is the meaning of “Lech Lecha”? Is it the way to fulfill one’s destiny? Is it a call to go to the one place where you truly belong, or to search for the place where you will become who you are meant to be? Is it the path of reason, or perhaps the way of the heart? Or is it the essence of the connection between them? From where does a person draw the strength to set out without asking why, when no clear destination is in sight? […]
A “chosen nation” not in the sense of being an elevated nation, but because they knew how to realize the right of choice. "The Torah went among all nations", tell us our sages, "it came to Esau and was rejected, to Ishmael and was not accepted, to Ammon and Moab and was refused, until it came to Israel. They said in unison: 'We will obey and listen'". They chose the path of the divine morals […]
The poetry of the Sons of Korach and Samuel's gentle and wise determination are a testimony to the nature of “the tikun” that takes place after a fall, one that comes in the wake of a bold but failed attempt to change reality. A demand for change in general, and for change in social order in particular, if its source is in pride, excessive self-confidence, jealousy and the sin of arrogance, is doomed to failure. True change originates from a world of doubts, listening and love. “The tikun” will come from a courageous place of regret and taking responsibility, of faith in the power of truth and spiritual heritage. The beauty of the fall is that it is not an end, but a phase, an opportunity and a necessity on the path to inevitable “tikun”. […]
The Torah portions of Tazria and Metzora are read as a single portion in non-leap years and deal mostly with the disease of leprosy. Despite being portions that deal with impurity and illness, Parashat Tazria opens with the purification ritual for a woman who has given birth, an event of renewal and birth. A surprising opening that suggests perhaps within the heart of illness, difficulty, and pain, the key to renewal can also be found. […]
This year, we invited different BINA educators to share their reflections on different parts of the Passover seder. Each educator chose a different passage from the Haggadah and shared their thoughts on the passage, reflecting on personal experiences and contemporary realities. We invite you to explore these reflections to add meaning to your seder or Passover holiday. […]
For Passover 2025 / 5785 – By Elliot Vaisrub Glassenberg – I grew up learning that the entire Passover seder can be summarized in one sentence: “In every generation each person must see themselves as if they themselves came out of Egypt”. I was taught that the purpose of the seder is to cultivate within us a mindset of continued mindful awareness, appreciation and gratitude of our freedom, so that we don’t take it for granted, lest we become complacent or apathetic. […]
