Life Lessons from the Parshah

Rabbi Gordon shares five inspirational lessons we derive from the Torah portion of Bereishit.

Rabbi Gordon shares inspirational Torah insights on the weekly Torah portion with practical life lessons.

Rabbi Gordon shares inspirational Torah insights on the weekly Torah portion with practical life lessons.

Rabbi Gordon shares inspirational Torah insights on the weekly Torah portion with practical life lessons.

From Jacob’s fearless encounter with Esau we derive a powerful message in standing firm in our commitment to Torah.

The Torah’s narrative of Joseph provides special insight into our outlook and mission in life.

The dramatic Joseph narrative demonstrates the exceptional strength to persevere and flourish even under the most trying of circumstances.

Before Jacob arrived in Egypt, he sent Judah ahead to prepare an environment of Torah. This Torah infrastructure is what enabled Judaism to flourish even in a depraved land like Egypt.

The Jewish bondage in Egypt contains the all-too-familiar horrific story of anti-Semitism that marks our history. What is the reason behind this hatred and what is the ultimate solution?

We’re all familiar with the four sons at the Seder, which are enumerated in the Passover Haggadah. Interestingly, there seems to be special attention given to the wicked or rebellious son, which begs the question why?

Shortly after leaving Egypt, the children of Israel found themselves in an impossible situation, stuck between the sea in front of them and the Egyptian army chasing them from behind. The proper response contains a powerful lesson in surmounting seemingly impossible challenges.

The Torah we received at Sinai is the true cure for all that ails us. This is alluded to in the very first word of the Ten Commandments.

The portion of Mishpatim contains many mitzvahs and details related to civil law. The first law, which is about the Jewish servant, conveys a profound teaching in attaining true freedom.

Following revelation at Sinai, the Jewish people were instructed to contribute and construct the Divine Sanctuary. What does it mean to make a home for G-d?

The portion of Teztaveh coincides around the birthday and passing of Moses. The special qualities of Moses’ leadership enable us to discover our very own potential.

The sin of the Golden Calf is from the greatest tragedies in Jewish history. Examining the status of gold in the Torah serves as a model for the proper approach to new discoveries in technology.

The name of each Torah portion contains the central theme and lesson for the respective portion. Comparing and contrasting the names Vayakhel and Pekudei crystilize two crucial life perspectives.

There are numerous references to the concept of blessings in this Torah portion. What is the special power of a blessing?

The daily burnt offering in the Holy Temple is singled out with special encouragement in the Torah, and contains timely messages on commitment and passion in a Jew’s service.

The name of this Torah portion means eight, which is extremely special and central in Judaism. Explore the significance and the many areas where this number is expressed throughout Jewish life.

On the Shabbat preceding the month of Nissan a special Torah reading is added, which discusses establishing the Jewish months and the Passover offering. Discover the special spirit of this month.

The biblical skin discoloring of tzaraat was a consequence of spiritual failing, primarily due to lashon hara or gossip. Our words have extraordinary, far-reaching impact.

The Torah specifically links the mitzvah of resting on the Sabbatical year to Mount Sinai. This demonstrates a powerful lesson in the proper approach to work and higher living.

A big focus of this Torah portion is the importance of Torah study, and all the many blessings it brings. This is a timely lesson in strengthening our commitment to daily Torah study.