Torah Studies

Gatekeepers of the Torah

Dispelling the Notion That Anyone Has a Claim More than You Do

Dispelling the Notion That Anyone Has a Claim More than You Do Does the Torah really belong to every Jew? Aren’t there class divisions in Judaism: say, for example, the priests and the rabbis? Perhaps the Torah actually highlights some of our differences? No, it does not. In this lesson, discover how.

“I’m With You There, Too”

How Our Mistakes Are Part of the Master Plan

You may have heard that all challenges thrown your way are there to lift you up to a better space. But dare we argue that even your wanton misdeeds and the malicious sins you commit: they, too, are part of G‑d’s vision for a better you? We can, and we will.

The Mark of True Love

Doing What’s Best, Not What’s Easiest

A puzzling debate between an eminent Torah sage and a band of heretics leads to the former coming out with this bizarre statement, “If Moses loved the Jews so much, why did he keep them in the desert for forty years?” The answer: Because he truly loved them.

The Uncomfortable Truth

Appreciating That We’re Catching Up to the Torah

There’s a certain sense of wonderment that children seem to lose as they mature. An inspired Mishnah and a curious quirk in the mitzvah of Torah study urge us to maintain that sense of wonder—and the humility that comes with it.

Once You Pop, You Can’t Stop

Giving Up Halfway Is Not an Option

Have you ever started a new pet project or embarked on a new “year of change”—and then you fell flat just a couple of months in? This class argues that when fate sets you down a certain path, G‑d expects you to see it through to the end. The good news? He empowered you to do it. So, carry on.

A Perfect Exchange

Gaining Perspective on the Things That Vex Us Most

“I have given you blessing and curses; take a good look and make the right choice!” Scripture declares. Is this really such a choice that requires examination? A deep look at some thorny theological questions gifts us this nugget: How we look at life is, indeed, entirely ours to choose.

Let Go and Move Forward

To Leave Egypt, You Must Really Leave It Behind. All of It

A Jewish king is not allowed to own too many horses. Sounds interesting, but why? So he doesn’t head back to Egypt and settle there. A fascinating ride through some complex halachic intricacies lands us at the doorstep of this important conclusion: There’s no such thing as “partially” leaving Egypt.

How Humility Keeps You High

Recognizing Your Limits Is the Secret to True Growth

To assume infallibility is a dangerous game. History has demonstrated time and again that he or she who deems themselves beyond reproach is most often the first one to fall. A fresh look at the mitzvah to erect a fence on the roof of our home brings this message into stark relief.

Rewrite History

The Superpower of the Baal Teshuvah

Have you ever wished you could rewrite the past and retrieve a broken part of yourself? Through a surprisingly fresh look at the horrible list of curses in our parshah, we discover a most incredible power: the power to redeem the irredeemable.

Canceling the Culture of Cancel Culture

Finding Common Ground from a G‑dly Perch

In divisive times, when neighbors, friends, and even family turn on one another, it is more important than ever to find common ground that unites us all. Indeed, the New Year provides us an opportunity to gain a G‑dly perspective on humanity that will surely bring us together.

I Love You. I See Your Flaws. Let’s Improve

True Love Doesn’t Blind; It Embraces and Hopes for Better

Come to think of it, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are really the same thing: two serious days about making things right for a new year. So why do we need them both? “High Holiday” doesn’t have the same ring to it, but it could do. So why the double-act? Discover the true meaning of Yom Kippur.

Bequeathing the Heritage

A Primer for Acting, Feeling, and Identifying as Jewish

What is the defining feature of a healthy relationship? Doing things for each other? Remaining committed even when there’s betrayal? Perhaps another intangible we’re not even talking about? The joyous holiday of Sukkot provides a good primer for these important questions.