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…

Power Parsha

Beha’alotcha: One Menorah for One People

The menorah – described in Parshat Beha’alotecha*– has been a central symbol of Judaism from the Temple in ancient times to the Knesset in modern Israel. What has made the menorah such an enduring symbol of the Jewish people? The commentaries raise several questions that illuminate this idea. First, why is the making of the…

Power Parsha

Naso and Ruth: Modesty & Destiny

In a world that has increasingly lost a sense of boundaries and values in sexual relationships, Parshat Naso and Megillat Ruth offer an important framework for dignity, protection, and empowerment. In Parshat Naso we encounter the Sotah. Chazal understood that the woman had entered into yichud (seclusion) with another man after having been warned by…

Power Parsha

Bamidbar: Truthful and Redemptive Counting

The Book of Bamidbar is also called by the rabbis Chumash HaPekudim – the “Book of Numbers” – because it contains two lengthy censuses of Bnei Yisrael. Yet throughout Tanach, counting people is sometimes viewed positively and at other times as a sin. What determines whether counting is an act of blessing or of transgression?…

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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