Building a Generation of Leaders, Not Victims

In Parashat Mishpatim, immediately following the revelation at Sinai, we receive a detailed legal code governing civil society. Among the laws, the Torah commands: "You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress them, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 22:20). This verse appears…

The Right to Define Ourselves

In this week's parsha we encounter two transformative moments: Yitro (the parshah’s namesake) counsels Moses about distributing leadership, and the revelation at Sinai where we received the Ten Commandments. Both speak to a profound truth about Jewish self-determination, our right and resp…

When Law and Ethics Collide

In Parashat Beshalach, beyond the dramatic splitting of the Sea, lies a verse that speaks to our current moment. At Marah, when the people grumble for water, Gd responds with instruction: “Sham sam lo chok u’mishpat” (There [Gd] established for them statute and ordinance). Exodus 15:25…

From Bondage to Freedom

This week's Torah portion, Bo, marks the culmination of the Jewish people's master story of liberation. After generations of brutal slavery, after plagues that darkened Egypt's skies and “hardened Pharaoh's heart,” our ancestors finally emerge from bondage into freedom. The Torah doesn't…

Keepers of the Flame: Understanding Our Sacred Assignment

In this week's parashah, Vaera, we encounter the four expressions of redemption that form the foundation of our Passover seder. Gd promises: "I will bring you out" (Hotzeiti) from hard labor, "I will rescue you" (Hitzalti) from enslavement, "I will redeem you" (Ga'alti) through mighty acts, …