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Navigating the Paradoxes of Teshuva
In this article, we will delve into two different instances of seemingly paradoxical elements within the concept of teshuva, as explained by Rav Steinsaltz. We will discover that teshuva involves balancing different elements, where these contrasting aspects work together to create a complete and cohesive process. Teshuva: Embracing the Challenge, Igniting the Change Rav Steinsaltz
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Elul: The Mazal of the Betula
As months go, Elul falls between a rock and a hard place. It has a big job to do as it follows Av, a month where we are told to decrease in our happiness, and precedes Tishrei, the beginning of the year. We have just been deeply involved in intense feelings of loss relating to
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Ki Teitzei: The Non-Jewish Woman Captive
This week’s parsha begins with the perplexing scenario of eishet yefat toar. Literally translated as “woman of beautiful appearance,” the pesukim outline that under circumstances of war, a Jewish soldier who sees a non-Jewish female captive may take her as his wife, following certain conditions. Here, we will discuss and explore some of the depth
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10 Things I Learned From My Newborn
Having a baby is a busy time in one’s life – and doesn’t leave too much leftover for learning Torah. Nevertheless, over these last 7 weeks since I gave birth, I have found myself learning from the deepest sefer of all: my baby. Here are some of the lessons I’ve picked up… If I could
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Re’eh: Tzedaka, the Feminine Way
When it comes to tzedaka, the Torah’s commandment is twofold. The pasuk tells us not to harden our heart nor to withhold our hand (Devarim 15:7). These two elements of the Torah’s commandment speak to two different parts of us: the emotional and the physical. On an emotional level, the Torah tells us not to
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Emerging From the Waters: Explaining the Mitzvah of Mikvah
Spirituality permeates every aspect of Jewish life, especially between a husband and wife. One of our missions in this world is to imbue the physical with the spiritual. To that end, the concepts of taharah, purity, and tumah, impurity, are spiritual concepts with physical implications. Tumah is closely related to death or loss of potential
