Power Parsha

Balak: The Power to Bless

Love versus hate. Blessing versus curse. These opposing themes lie at the heart of Parshat Balak. The Midrash notes striking parallels between the characters of Balaam and Avraham. Both display remarkable zrizut – eagerness and determination in their mission. In the story of the Akeidah, Avraham rises early and saddles his own donkey to fulfill…

Power Parsha

Chukat: Sources of Well-being

Parshat Chukat reminds us to care not only for our own well-being, but also for those around us. It highlights how easily we take precious relationships and sources of support for granted. The parsha begins with Miriam’s death and Bnei Yisrael crying out for water. The Tosefta Sotah explains that a be’er accompanied and sustained…

Power Parsha

Korach: Toxic Alliances

At first glance, Korach’s rebellion appears to be a cohesive protest movement. But a closer look at its participants uncovers a coalition bound more by opposition than by a shared vision – a timely lesson about causes and the alliances they attract. The Torah introduces Korach’s followers: “And Korach took… together with Datan and Aviram……

Power Parsha

Shelach: Lessons on Leadership

“A leader is a dealer in hope.” – Napoleon  What was the failing of the meraglim in Parshat Shelach? Reading this story alongside another account of spies in the haftorah suggests that, at its core, it was a failure of leadership. The Midrash Tanhuma interprets the words “Shelach lecha” (“Send for yourself”) to mean that…

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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