Power Parsha

Terumah: On Haredim Drafting into the IDF

“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” -John F. Kennedy Parshat Terumah emphasizes the act of giving in the command to build the Mishkan. At first glance, the Torah seems ambiguous about this expectation. It instructs, “Take for Me an offering (terumah),” implying obligation,…

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Mishpatim & Shekalim: On Rebuilding A Nation

This year’s Super Bowl halftime show – or more precisely, “shows” – has been interpreted as yet another warning sign about the state of American society. And America is not alone. Many Western countries are grappling with a fraying sense of togetherness and shared moral purpose. What makes for a strong and good society? The…

Power Parsha

Yitro: Choseness – A Double-Edged Legacy

“The Jewish people have the honor of being hated.” – Bret Stephens The unique mission bestowed upon the Jewish people in Parshat Yitro has also been a persistent source of antisemitism throughout history, especially today. Before the giving of the Ten Commandments, God instructs Moshe to tell the people that if they remain faithful to…

Power Parsha

Beshallach: A Shabbat of Song

Shabbat Shira is the special Shabbat on which we read Az Yashir in Parshat Beshalach, celebrating one of the greatest miracles – the splitting of the Sea. How fitting that this Shabbat follows the recovery of Ran Gvili, marking the complete return of all the hostages to our borders. The midrashim on Shirat HaYam call…

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About Me

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