Torah Studies

Is There a Case for Perfectionism?

A Time to Be Right, a Time to Do What’s Right

Elijah the prophet is one of the most beloved figures in Jewish lore, famed for mysterious visits and messianic tidings. But his life story was one of fire and brimstone. So who, really, is Elijah? Discover your inner Elijah and his historical counterpart, as well: none other than Moses.

Line in the Sand

Sometimes, We Must Be Unequivocal

G‑d brought ten plagues on the Egyptians, right? Of course. But did you know that some of them were experienced by the Jews, too? Wait . . . What? That’s right: the Jews were subjected to some of the plagues to make a bold statement that some things must be unequivocal—for everyone.

Tending to G‑d’s Children

Parenting Isn’t Only about You

Let’s face it: parenting is really, really hard—perhaps one of the most challenging things in the world. So here’s a thought: your children are entrusted to you by G‑d, so He must believe in you that you’re up to the job. Run with it.

Healthy Boundaries

The Gravity of Overstepping into the Mundane

Life presents all sorts of situations that challenge us to keep within our moral, ethical, and religious bounds. A lesser known law of Shabbat observance that cautions against wandering too far out of town teaches us the right formula for a healthy framework.

Lift Your Hands above Your Head

Reaching the Pinnacle of Human Achievement . . . and Beyond

Are you possessive about your own personal space? Through the lens of an interesting discussion about the parameters of personal space in Jewish law, discover the limits of your own personal growth—and how to smash them, too.

I Went in with an Escape Plan. It Didn’t Work

The Case for Going All-In

Have you tried doing something while trying to leave the back door open—you know, with your eyes on the way out just in case you don’t get too excited about it? If yes, it probably didn’t work. Discover the formula for maturing from “why not?” to “of course!”

The Timeless Temple

Bringing the Message of the Temple to Every Corner of Life

A holy Temple on a shining hilltop is a beautiful idea, but the true message of the Tempe is realized in everyday life: when you help another person on your way to work, the Temple project is validated. It’s time we build our own Temples.

It’s a Different World Today. It’s Time to Play Offense

Asserting Our Judaism in a Society Ready to Hear Our Message

The long and colored story of the Jewish people speaks volumes of oppression and denied opportunity. A debate between Mordechai and Esther coupled with Mordechai’s apparent outrageous behavior set the stage for a dramatic shift in thinking: it’s finally time we wear our ideals loud and proud.

Today or Tomorrow?

A Rip-Roaring Ride across the Talmudic Sea to the Raging Waters of Life

Two Talmudic sages debated different things that seem entirely unrelated. Discover the hidden key that threads them all together, and by the time you’re done navigating the waters, you may just emerge with the ship of your life steered in a profound, new direction.

The People Always Come First. Except for when They Don’t

A True Leader Isn’t Concerned about Being a True Leader

The last effective leadership book you read preached the qualities of placing others' needs before yours. But then life gets tricky, and certain times call for other priorities. What to do? A lofty effort of twelve noble leaders gone flat tells the story of true leadership.

When Humility Isn’t Healthy and Pride Is Perfect

When You’re Truly Small, Then You’re Really Big

A curiously small letter appears in the first word of book number three of the Torah. With the help of a story about a famous Rebbe teaching his young grandson, what starts off as a lesson in humility turns into a much broader instruction on how to ace the balance between humility and pride.

The Freedom to Be You

Breaking Free from the Confusion of Egypt to the Clarity of Purpose

Fewer things can be as constricting, crushing, and stifling than waking up in the morning and not being able to answer why you should even get out of bed. Discover the recipe for freedom in the story of the Exodus. Hint: The road starts and finishes right in none other than . . . YOU.