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From/For Parsha Chukat 2018

As we enter the Torah portion of Chukat (or Chukas) in 2018, below are some Parsha thoughts (in no particular order) that you might find relevant in one way or another. Most of these originated as tweets. 

(1) Two great … Read the rest

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Thinking of Jewish Holidays as Appointments

One of the ways Torah describes the Jewish holidays is with the word “Moed” which means a set or appointed time. So, think appointments! We all have appointments in our lives. Doctors and dentists, professors and therapists, meeting a friend … Read the rest

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Cinco de Neshamo

This Shabbat falls on May 5th, celebrated by many as Cinco de Mayo, commemorating a great battle of the Mexicans against the French, and generally observed today as a celebration of all things Mexican. We did go with Mexican flag … Read the rest

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Teen View, Parents View

by Mr. Rosen, a visiting parent

One of the interesting things about reading the Torah portion every year is that over the passage of time (and our own growth and life’s experiences) we see it anew, in a different lens, … Read the rest

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Baby Alfie and the John Kass Column

The Baby Alfie story and health care controversy in England was big news this week. It’s a great discussion on its own about parental rights and healthcare decisions, and how society views life altogether, but that’s a subject for a … Read the rest

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In between the fuel and the flame

Why is it that (external winds aside) flames always burn upwards? And why do they flicker or dance? 

Both Science and Chassidus each have their explanations: 

Science explains that hot air is less dense than cold air, and as the … Read the rest

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Juicy Messages

Juicy Jewish Life-Lessons from Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

“An olive only releases its (essential) oils when squeezed” so too, life’s pressures, stressors & challenges reveal hidden depths within.

A physics angle: Juicing turns solid into liquid, keeps volume but loses shape, … Read the rest

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Think Outside the Box – In the Box

Stay tuned for this message, to be posted soon.

 … Read the rest

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Basketball Points

The guys asked for some Basketball Torah as we enter the NBA playoff season. Here’s one thought:

Everyone knows that swish shots are cool. That’s when the ball sails right through the basket, barely making a sound, not touching the rim … Read the rest

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Ziggy and the Future Door

Everyone knows Ziggy, that bald round-faced guy from the newspaper comics often befuddled by the complexities of life. This week’s Ziggy comic jumped out at me, and asked students for their interpretations of it. 

Ziggy encounters a door that says “Future” on … Read the rest

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