Daily Devotionals
Seeing our Blessings (New)
May 22, 2013 - 5:00 amThe manna that fell from heaven was miraculous. . . The Sages teach that the manna tasted exactly like the person eating it wanted it to taste. Pretty amazing! So how is it possible that the Israelites complained about it?
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Passing the Torch
May 21, 2013 - 5:00 amThis week’s reading begins with the commandment to Aaron and his sons to light the menorah, the seven-branched lamp in the Temple. . . Question: Why does God highlight the menorah when there were many other duties that Aaron and his descendants would perform in the Temple? Read more…
To Kindle a Soul
May 20, 2013 - 5:00 amThe Sages teach that there are only two types of people who don’t mind being “outdone.” One is a parent; the other, a teacher. Read more…
The Most Important Prayer
May 19, 2013 - 5:00 amMost of us understand how badly Jerusalem – whose very name comes from the word shalom, peace – needs our prayers for the peace that has eluded her for over two thousand years. However, what many of us don’t realize is that when we pray for Jerusalem, we are essentially praying for ourselves. Read more…
Gratitude for it All
May 17, 2013 - 5:00 amA major part of the Shavuot festivities is missing today. In Temple times, the highlight of the holiday was the bringing of the “first fruits” as an offering to God. Read more…
Celebrating Failure
May 16, 2013 - 5:00 amShavuot, also known as the Festival of Weeks, celebrates the giving of the Ten Commandments to the children of Israel, and through them, to the entire world. It was on this day, the sixth day of the Hebrew month Sivan, more than three thousand years ago, that Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the tablets in hand. Read more…
Making Inspiration Real
May 15, 2013 - 5:00 amThe Exodus story feels just like there is an intermission in the middle of the plot. The Israelites came out of Egypt, crossed through the Red Sea, sang a joyous song . . . and then what? Read more…
The Priestly Blessing
May 14, 2013 - 5:00 amThis week’s Torah reading reveals the words of the special “priestly blessing,” a blessing that the priests would give to the children of Israel. Even today, Jews who can trace their lineage back to the house of Aaron will recite this blessing in synagogues around the world on holidays, and in Israel, every week on the Sabbath. Read more…
Wings that Fly
May 13, 2013 - 5:00 amThis week’s Torah portion is called Naso, meaning “count,” as in: “Take a census . . .” The Sages note that this Torah portion is always read adjacent to the holiday of Shavuot, also known as Pentecost, either on the Sabbath before it or right after it. Therefore, the title of the portion – Naso — relates to the holiday and has something to teach us about what we are celebrating. Read more…
The Lord Is Your Shadow
May 12, 2013 - 5:00 amPsalm 121 is essentially a prayer for protection. Even today, it is often recited by Jews before they embark upon any kind of dangerous journey. Read more…
