Parsha Discussion with R. Alex Israel

A weekly Parsha post seeking to stimulate discussion around the Shabbat table, especially with teenagers. Written by Alex Israel. I was surprised.

I am excited to launch "The Parsha Discussion," a new project that I am inaugurating for 5777. It is a weekly post that is designed to stimulate a discussion around the Shabbat table, especially with teenagers, based around the parsha. http://www.alexisrael.org/parshadiscussion

Let me explain how this project was born. A past-student contacted me and asked me to learn with him when he was visiti

Behaalotecha 5779.Leadership. Guidance or Empathy

20/06/2024

Parashat Behaalotecha
1. Moses in Crisis
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/05/30/behaalotecha-moses-in-crisis

2. The Marshmallow Test. How do you deal with cravings?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/06/08/behaalotecha-the-marshmallow-test

3. Leadership: Guidance or Empathy?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/06/12/behaalotecha-5779leadership-guidance-or-empathy

Behaalotecha 5779.Leadership. Guidance or Empathy For Rashi then, the true and trusted leader is the person who is willing to take the whip for his people. The real leader has built the trus

19/12/2023

Vayigash

1. The Secret of Jewish Survival
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/12/20/vayigash-the-secret-of-jewish-survival

2. Embarrassment. Judaism's Fourth Cardinal Sin
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/12/30/vayigash-judaisms-fourth-cardinal-sin

3. Tears of Reunion
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/01/04/vayigash-tears-of-reunion

Vayigash. Tears of Reunion Joseph has barely begun to grapple with his complicated relationships with his family. Joseph’s tears unleash all the pain and relief ...

14/12/2023

1. Stockpile your Blessings. Storing the good for when the going gets tough!
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/12/23/miketz-stockpile-your-blessings
2. Miketz. Human Initiative and God's Plan. Should one rely on God or Human Effort?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/12/14/miketz-human-initiative-divine-guidance-e2-80-8e

3. Miketz: Awakening Sensitivity
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2016/12/29/miketz-awakening-sensitivity

MIketz. Stockpile Your Blessings! If bad times can be anticipated, the good times might offer some perspective and resilience.

05/12/2023

If you are already thinking about Channukah, here are EIGHT IDEAS for EIGHT NIGHTS

Channukah Torah | Rabbi Alex Israel 8 Ideas for 8 Nights. A Collection of Channukah Thoughts

30/11/2023

1. Antisemitism. Is it Inevitable?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/11/30/vayishlach-antisemitism-in-a-tolerant-age

2. War Morality. What to do when your daughter is r***d? Do you retaliate?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2016/12/15/vayishlach-the-morality-of-violence

3. Yaakov's Procrastination
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/vayishlach-yaakov-s-mixed-motivations

4. Are there Extraneous Verses in the Torah? Are all Verses Created Equal?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/12/12/vayishlach-insignificant-verses-really

Vayishlach. The Morality of Violence A r**e and a massacre. Does the Torah defend or villify Simon and Levi's killing at Shchem?

24/11/2023

1. Which Yeshiva did Yaakov Attend?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/vayetze-which-yeshiva-did-yaakov-attend

2. Materialism. Do we need so much stuff?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2016/12/08/vayetze-materialism-bread-to-eat-and-clothes-to-wear

3. Jacob's Work Ethic
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/11/22/vayetze-yaakovs-work-ethic

4. Self-Doubt. A Good Thing?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/12/04/vayetze-the-value-of-self-doubt

Vayetze: The Value of Self-Doubt Because we are only human - like Jacob - we always have a choice to live up to our values or to fall short. We may never become complacent.

"Being Thankful" - A Thanksgiving Message from Rabbi Alex Israel on Parashat VaYetze 5781

24/11/2023

https://youtu.be/YyG5tD0Jlpk?si=pfUudBOeqw-0IKAZ

"Being Thankful" - A Thanksgiving Message from Rabbi Alex Israel on Parashat VaYetze 5781 Rabbi Alex Israel is a member of the Pardes Faculty and the Director of the Community Education and Summer programs. You can learn more about Rabbi Alex at h...

07/09/2023

Nitzavim
Taking it to Heart
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/09/05/nitzavim-take-it-to-heart

Living Each Day ... Today!!
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/09/27/nitzavim-5779-living-each-day-today

Nitzavim-Vayelech and Rosh Hashanna
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/09/13/nitzavim-vayelechrosh-hashanna
Vayelech
1. Jewish Literacy. Why you need a Jewish library!
https://www.alexisrael.org/.../vayelekh-your-jewish-library
2. Vayelech. When was the Torah Written?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/10/02/vayelech-5780-when-was-the-torah-written

Nitzavim 5779. Living Each Day "Today!" Sometimes we are burdened by the past. Sometimes we find it hard to make a long-term commitment. Can we learn to live each day like it is &q

07/09/2023

Nitzavim Vayelech / Rosh Hashanna What you think about, what is your inner intention when you hear the Shofar? How do you feel? ‎What do you do during those sacred moments? ‎

17/08/2023

Shoftim

1. Ethics of War
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/08/17/shoftim-war-morality

2. Access to the Law
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/08/24/shoftim-justice-in-all-your-gates

3. Can Our Leaders Practice Humility?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/09/06/shoftim-can-our-leaders-be-humble

Shoftim. Justice "In All Your Gates" The Torah legislates courts on a local level. How does the town affect the judge? How does the court affect the town?

03/08/2023

Ekev

1. Mindful Eating
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/08/02/ekev-mindful-eating

2. The Lessons of Rain
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/08/17/ekev-the-lessons-of-rain

3. Broken Tablets, Broken People, Broken Faith
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/08/20/ekev-5779-broken-tablets-broken-people-broken-faith

Ekev. The Lessons of Rain Israel is a place where people look up to heaven in search of rain, not down to earth and its natural water ‎supply. ‎Why?

22/05/2023

Yitro. Can we Curb our Desires? “Do not covet” says to me: You have what you need. Don’t look around at others. Be satisfied with what you have.

02/03/2023

Parashat Tetzave
1. Head and Heart! Which is more vital - our intellect or our emotions? How do they differ?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/03/05/tetzave-head-and-heart

2. Do Aesthetics Matter in Judaism?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/02/21/tetzave-smells-good

3. Does Clothing express or obscure my inner self?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/03/10/tetzave-who-is-hiding-under-your-mask

Tetzave. Who is Hiding Under Your Mask? Does clothing express or obscure my inner essence?

23/02/2023

1. Torah. Don't leave home without it! Why does the Ark have carrying sticks that may not be removed? The portability of the Aron and the portability of Torah.
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/03/01/teruma-a-torah-for-all-places

2. Are you Genuine? Does your Inside Match your Outside? - The Ark, and the question of Hypocrisy
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/02/27/teruma-hypocrisy

3. Mishkan. Where do You Meet God?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/02/15/teruma-where-do-you-meet-god

Teruma. A Torah for All Places The poles shall not be removed" embodies the eternal message that the Torah is in no way bound or confined to location or time.

16/02/2023

Mishpatim:

1. Is God in the Details? (or in the big moral statements)?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/02/06/mishpatim-set-the-table

2. The Burden of Freedom. Can being free be overwhelming at times?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/02/20/mishpatim-choosing-slavery

3. Blind Faith! What is better - Blind Obedience or Informed Consent?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/02/23/blind-faith-or-informed-commitment

Mishpatim. Blind Faith? Who is the greater believer, the person who follows God blindly, or an individual who makes well-reasoned, informed decisions? Is commitment to God supposed to be a “leap of faith,” a jump into the absurd; or does Judaism embrace instead cognition and reason? Our parsha ends with one of the most...

03/10/2022

Yom Kippur thoughts
1. The Mechanics of Confession
https://www.alexisrael.org/yom-kippur-confession

2. The Drama of the High Priest
https://www.alexisrael.org/yom-kippur-face-of-the-high-priest

3. Jonah. Being Human. Is that a reason for God to Forgive?
https://www.alexisrael.org/yom-kippur-book-of-jonah

https://fb.watch/fWMyS6qhFY/

Book of Jonah - Being Human Is it possible for an entire city to undergo a comprehensive behavioral turnaround? Did Nineveh do Teshuvah? Or might God forgive us, not because we have changed, but merely because we are human beings? What is the message of the Book of Yonah?

18/08/2022

Parashat Ekev

1. Mindful Eating
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/08/02/ekev-mindful-eating

2. Broken Tablets; Broken People; Borken Faith
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/08/20/ekev-5779-broken-tablets-broken-people-broken-faith

3. Rain is the Key!
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/08/17/ekev-the-lessons-of-rain

Ekev. Mindful Eating I have never experienced a day of hunger in my life. Have you? Our abundance of food means that today, we try to eat less, not more! How do we value food?

06/07/2022

Parashat Balak
1. Are we Losing our Privacy? https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2019/07/21/balak-5779-are-we-losing-our-privacy

2. "A People Who Dwell Alone" - A Blessing or a Curse?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/06/27/balak-a-people-that-dwell-alone

3. Learning the Hard Way
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/07/04/balak-learning-the-hard-way

Balak. A People that Dwell Alone "It is a people that dwells alone; Not reckoned among the nations." Dwelling “alone” sounds like isolation, loneliness. Is this a blessing or a curse?

24/05/2022

Bamidbar.
Parsha Discussions

1. Why a Wilderness?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/05/26/bamidbar-why-a-wilderness

2. Taking Account of Each and Every Person
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/05/15/bamidbar-building-a-nation-person-by-person

3. When Does Adulthood Begin?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/05/20/bamidbar-when-does-adulthood-begin

Bamidbar. When Does Adulthood Begin? At what age does a child become an adult? The 13- year old is hardly a man. Our parsha gives the age of census as twenty, "all who go out with the army." Why?

12/05/2022

Parashat Behar:

1. "To Be" and "To Have" - Gaining a life balance.
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/05/14/behar-bechukotai-to-have-or-to-be

2. Loyalty of the Land
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/05/18/behar-behukotai-the-loyalty-of-the-land

3. Words Hurt!
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/05/01/behar-words-hurt

Behar-Behukotai. The Loyalty of the Land Can a land retain its loyalty to its nation? Why did the land of Israel lie in ruin for 2000 years?

12/05/2022

Parashat Emor:

1. Why Count the Omer?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/05/12/emor-why-count-the-omer

2. Keep Your Focus. Unblemished Promises
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/04/27/emor-keep-your-focus

3. Unplugged. Fostering a Shabbat Atmosphere
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/05/06/emor-unplugged-fostering-a-shabbat-atmosphere

4. Education and Internalization
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/emor-education-and-internalization

Emor. Education and Internalization How do we teach? How do we learn? How might we educate when a topic is really critical?

12/04/2022

Please see my Pesach/Passover page with classes and podcasts to prepare. My personal page also has a wealth of Pesach reflections. Check it out!

https://www.alexisrael.org/pesach-passover-resources

Tazria-Metzora. Have You ever Been Excluded?

30/03/2022

Parashat Tazria / Hachodesh
1. Setting Goals; Making Progress
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/04/21/tazria-metzora-setting-goals-making-progress

2. Have you ever felt excluded?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/04/27/tazria-metzora-have-you-ever-been-excluded

Tazria-Metzora. Have You ever Been Excluded? Have you ever been excluded? - How did it feel? Do you ever look askance at anyone in a social, communal or religious setting? Why do we sometimes feel superior to others? When do we feel inferior? What makes us act in these ways?

23/02/2022

Vayakhel - 3 posts
1. Vayakhel. Gathering. The Power of Communal Living
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/03/20/vayakhel-pikudei-together-and-apart

2. Second Chances. Why is the Mishkan Repeated?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/03/08/vayakhel-pikudei-second-chances

3. How does the Mishkan connect us to God?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/03/23/vayakhel-pikudei-connecting-with-god

Vayakhel-Pikudei - Connecting with God How does the Mishkan connect us to God?

15/02/2022

Ki Tissa. 4 Discussions:

1. The Golden Calf. Why did they do it?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/03/01/ki-tissa-the-golden-calf-why

2. Why did Moses Smash the Tablets?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/03/15/ki-tissa-why-did-moses-smash-the-tablets

3. Face to Face with God
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/03/09/ki-tissa-face-to-face-with-god

4. Should Israel Care About World Opinion?https://www.alexisrael.org/para---public-opinion

Para - Public Opinion | alexisrael Should Jews care what the world thinks of them? After God decides to destroy Israel in the wake of the Golden Calf, Moses' argument is based upon what the world will say about God! It seems that God cares what the world thinks... about God!

10/02/2022

Tetzave
1. Do our clothes define us?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/03/10/tetzave-who-is-hiding-under-your-mask

2. Head vs. Heart. The Intellectual vs. the Emotive. How do they play out in the Priestly Clothing?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/03/05/tetzave-head-and-heart

3. How important are aesthetics in a Jewish worldview?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/02/21/tetzave-smells-good

Tetzave. Smells Good! ‎The Mishkan is filled with Gold, light and incense. What is the Jewish attitude to aesthetics?

31/01/2022

Teruma - 3 Discussions

1. Torah. Don't leave home without it!
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/03/01/teruma-a-torah-for-all-places

2. Are you Genuine? Does your Inside Match your Outside? - The Ark, and the question of Hypocrisy
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/02/27/teruma-hypocrisy

3. Mishkan. Meeting God!
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/02/15/teruma-where-do-you-meet-god

Teruma. A Torah for All Places If you had one thing to take with you to a desert island, what would it be? Our parsha describes the Mishkan. At its epicenter is the Ark of the Covenant, a golden chest, so named because it holds the Tablets of the law, representative of the covenant. The Ark has poles that may not be extracted. Wh...

25/01/2022

Mishpatim
1. Is God in the Details (or in the big moral statements)?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2018/02/06/mishpatim-set-the-table

2. The Burden of Freedom. Sometimes it is so overwhelming to be free!
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2020/02/20/mishpatim-choosing-slavery

3. Blind Faith! What is better - Blind Obedience or Informed Consent?
https://www.alexisrael.org/single-post/2017/02/23/blind-faith-or-informed-commitment

15/01/2022

Why is Tu Bishvat in the depths of winter?
What is the connection between Tu Bishvat and REdemption?
Slow Redemption or "mashiach now!"?

https://www.alexisrael.org/tu-bishvat---plant-for-the-future

Tu Bishvat - Planting for the Future Why is Tu Bishvat in the depths of the Winter? How does Tu Bishvat connect with Redeption? How do we plant the seeds of the future? Does Redemption come in quick fixes, or slow processes, like a growing tree?

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