Ta Shma

In the simple instruction to kindle lamps in the mishkan, our interpretive tradition leaps into a theological spiral. What is the relationship between human light and divine light? The human role in creating light in the world becomes an opportunity to delve into the question of significance, or insignificance, of our efforts, and whether a sense of embarrassment is constructive or inhibiting.

If someone you wouldn’t endorse asks you for a recommendation, what would you say? Discussing the ethics around truth and lying, Rabbi Avi Strausberg presents multiple approaches to the topic and asks what to do when there may not be a clear answer. This lecture was recorded at the Hadar Rabbinic Yeshiva Intensive in 2020.

R. Aviva Richman, an expert in Jewish studies and Rabbinic literature, discusses the ritual of Sotah from Parshat Naso. The focus is on honoring each individual moment of a mitzvah, embracing individuality in mitzvot practice, and the importance of paying attention to each unique ritual in one's life journey.

R. Tali Adler discusses the importance of Oral Torah in the covenant between God and the Jewish people. They explore the emotional and intellectual experiences of studying oral vs. written Torah, historical narratives in religious texts, contemporary theology around the Covenant, cultural appropriation in religious traditions, and preserving the oral Torah tradition.

R. Aviva Richman, an expert in Jewish studies, discusses dismantling holiness with love in Parashat Bemidbar. She explores the delicate balance of maintaining holiness while practically sustaining it, and reflects on the evolving nature of holiness in Jewish life through dismantling and rebuilding sacred spaces.

R. Aviva Richman, expert in Parashat BeHukotai, discusses the shift in theological perspective regarding blessings and curses in modern times. Emphasizes the importance of building a strong connection with God and Torah to address contemporary challenges with innovation and productivity.

What does it mean to have respect for Shabbat? Dena Weiss discusses how we can respect shabbat by making the day feel different through our clothing choices.

Shemittah (the sabbatical year) is considered one of the hardest mitzvot. But the mitzvah might not only be about inculcating discipline to the extreme. We can also understand Shemittah and Yovel (jubilee) as mitzvot meant to inculcate an extreme love.

Rabbi Shai Held and Shira Hecht-Koller take a deep dive into Psalm 104. Rabbi Shai Held explores the psalm line by line while Shira Hecht-Koller considers the perspective of a psalmist and what would inspire them to compose this type of poem.

Parashat Kedoshim explored the centrality of consent in a relationship with God, that one can’t be “coerced” to bring an offering. The importance of our will in sacred relationship goes beyond the basic need for consent. In Parashat Emor, we will develop another dimension of human will in sacrifices: the importance of intention and attentiveness. Sacred relationship becomes an exercise of cultivating radical ratzon.