From My Notebook

This week's parsha, Behar, talks about the obligation to help others, specifically your own brother. Sometimes we have to change our perspective so that we can better see things as they really are.

This week we will be celebrating Pesach Sheini (second Passover) and we are also in the midst of counting Sefirat HaOmer. What can we learn from these two events about second chances and pushing through even when things aren't the way we want.

In this week's parsha, Kedoshim, G-d tells the Jewish people to be holy. The Jewish people are also given the commandment to love your fellow man as you love yourself. What can we learn from these two ideas and what influence does it have on our own lives?

The Shabbos after Pesach there is a custom to make 'shlissel' challah. Challah with a key baked inside it. What can we learn from this interesting tradition?

What can we learn from the death of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu? What does it mean to love someone the way they want to be loved?

In this week's parsha, Metzora, we read how the Kohein purified the Metzora. What can we learn from this and what does it mean to really judge someone from head to toe.

In this week's parsha, Tazria, we read about the metzora. Someone who had to leave the community temporarily and what they have to do to be accepted back. What can we learn from this and what does it mean to be compassionate when someone feels as though they are on the outside looking in.

The parsha, Shemini, tells us that Aharon faced the tragedy of losing his sons with silence. Why would the Torah tell us this and what can we learn about the power of silence in healing.

In this week's parsha, Tzav, we are told that the altar must remain burning at all times. What can we learn from this for our own relationship with Judaism?

What does it mean when our Sages say that the Jewish people completed their acceptance of the Torah on Purim? Does earning something rather than receiving a gift really make a difference?

Sometimes taking a small walk and sharing a smile with another person is all they need.

In this week's parsha the Torah tells us that a group of wise hearted artisans built the furnishings for the Mishkan. Why does it mention that they were wise hearted?

In this weeks Torah Portion, Ki Sisa, G-d threatens to wipe out the Jewish people and start a new nation from Moshe. How does Moshe have the courage to refuse this opportunity and to demand forgiveness for the Jewish people?

What can we learn from the commandment to have an everlasting flame? Even the flame of a candle, while providing light, flickers back and forth. This can teach us an important lesson in our daily lives.

In Parshas Terumah we are given specific detailed instructions on how to construct the mishkan. What can we learn from the fact that G-d was so detailed in His instructions and how can we cultivate greater connections with our friends, family, children, and spouse?

What is the difference between people that we will help no matter what is needed that those whom we would rather not help at all? It is all about the relationship!

In Parshat Yitro, Moshe's father in law, Yitro, makes the suggestion for Moshe to appoint judges to help him. What can we learn from the fact that even Moshe Rabbeinu needed help? Never be afraid to ask for help.

When the Jews left Egypt they had complaint after complaint. At what point do we look at life and decide that while it might be nice to have more, we are satisfied with our current situation?

In this week's parsha the Jews have the opportunity to bring holiness down into this world by placing blood on the doorpost. We have this opportunity everyday by engaging in physical mitzvahs.

A difficult but important aspect of life is embracing who we are so that we can then make the choice to cultivate ourselves. This was Paroh's mistake. He wasn't willing to go against his nature.

Moshe Rabbeinu almost wasn't born due to his parents separating as a result of Pharoh's decree. What can we learn from Miriam who was able to convince her parents not to separate and encouraged her parents to remarry?

Ever have the situation where you are talking about watching something (a sports game or movie) and the other person already saw it and you need to tell them "don't tell me!" What can we learn from this?

In this week's parsha Yosef reveals himself to his brothers and alleviates their apprehension but telling them that he fully forgives them. What does it mean and what does it take to really forgive someone who wronged us whole heartedly?

Why is the 8th day of Chanukah called, "This is Chanukah?" What does it mean to really embrace your potential and step into yourself?

Sometimes what we intended to happen and the actual result are very different. We should always endeavor to do our best to ensure that our intentions are well received.