"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." […]
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”. […]
Seeing something is believing in it, but experiencing something is understanding it. I entered Al Huda School in Rahat with little to no understanding of the Bedouin culture or experience within Israeli society, but left with a love and appreciation for the culture and the people. […]
The sacred and the profane that are at the heart of the Parasha invite us to think carefully about what kind of responsibility is demanded of our public servants and leaders, and if this dichotomous, uncompromising approach is one that will allow us to continue to develop and grow as a democratic society. […]
It is easy to understand why Purim might be someone's favorite Jewish holiday. There are costumes, noisemakers, jam-filled triangle cookies, and even a theological justification for drinking without inhibition! In a Jewish holiday calendar so often filled with solemnity and grief, Purim stands out a holiday unlike any other. […]
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. […]
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. […]
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 […]
Some Torah Portions require almost no interpretation. People should just read them again and again, and hopefully something will sink […]
Congratulations to BINA educator Leon Wiener Dow on winning a National Jewish Book Award for his new book "The […]
