Tu Bishvat Seder | A Celebration of Time & Place

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”. […]

קרא עוד…

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. […]

קרא עוד…

Who is “the angel who has redeemed me”? Is it the same angel with whom Jacob wrestled, before earning the name Israel? Did he miss or remember him? How will the angel bless the boys from all evil? And why the Divine Presence does not allow Israel to foresee the future of his loved ones? […]

קרא עוד…