Power Parsha

Nitzavim-Vayelech: Relationship Repair

Teshuva, one of the central mitzvot of Elul and the Yamim Noraim, has its biblical source in Parshat Nitzavim-Vayelech. The Torah portrays teshuva as a dynamic of return between Am Yisrael and God that can also serve as a model for repairing relationships and fostering positive change in our own lives. Ramban derives the mitzvah…

Power Parsha

Ki Tavo: How We Speak About Israel

Parshat Ki Tavo opens with the mitzvah of bikkurim, the offering of first fruits. This ceremony, echoing previous biblical stories, carries a relevant message for our generation’s relationship with the land of Israel. After settling the land, the people are commanded to bring their first fruits to the Beit Hamikdash and recite a declaration recounting…

Power Parsha

Ki Tetze: Fostering Compassion

Parshat Ki Tetze contains many mitzvot. One in particular relates to a central theme of Elul and Rosh Hashanah: fostering and praying for mercy and compassion. What is the purpose of the mitzvah of shiluach ha-ken, sending away the mother bird before taking her young or eggs? Mishna Berakhot teaches that one may not add…

Power Parsha

Shoftim: On Moral Leadership

The laws governing various forms of leadership in Parshat Shoftim highlight both its challenges and moral responsibilities, while empowering individuals to ensure that those who lead are worthy of the positions they hold. Alongside the Torah’s command to appoint judges in every town comes the warning that judges must not show favoritism or accept bribes,…

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I’m Karen Miller Jackson, a certified Matan Morah l’Halakha, Jewish educator and writer. Welcome to my blog which provides Torah from a woman’s perspective for modern, busy people. To subscribe via email please sign up or by whatsapp here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CKLpCygJaBf20sKbNmRV1u