Mishpatim: The Roadmap to Becoming Who You Want to Be
Mishpatim might seem like a long list of rules, but what if it's actually a roadmap? Judaism teaches that transformation doesn’t happen in a monastery or on a mountaintop—it happens through daily actions. The way we treat people, the choices we make, and the small acts of integrity shape who we become. Your actions aren’t just things you do—they’re who you are becoming.
Parashat Yitro: It’s all about Action
Parashat Yitro isn’t just about the giving of the Ten Commandments—it’s about the radical idea that how we live matters more than what we believe. Whether or not you see these commandments as divine, they offer a framework for intentional living. Personal growth, like Judaism, isn’t just about theory—it’s about action. What guiding principles shape your life, and how are you putting them into practice?
Manna, Minimalism, and My Grandpa Lenny
"Take all you want but eat all you take"—my Grandpa Lenny’s mealtime wisdom from his army days echoes through my life. In Parshat Beshalach, the Israelites received a similar lesson with the manna: take only what you need, or risk it spoiling. What does this ancient wisdom teach us in a world of excess and consumer culture?
Va'era, the Holocaust, and the Power of Jewish Questioning
In Parashah Va'era, Moses—one of our greatest leaders—doubts himself and questions God. And yet, instead of being punished, he is met with guidance. Judaism does not demand blind faith; it encourages questioning. As we approach International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we reflect on the difficult questions that have shaped our people. What does it mean to be Jewish after such horrors? What keeps us connected despite generations of adversity? Va’era reminds us that we don’t need certainty to move forward—only the courage to keep asking.
From Shemot to Today: Leadership, Justice, and Compassion
Moses' journey in Shemot teaches us that true leadership isn’t just about defending our own—it’s about expanding our circle of care. We can stand firmly for Israel’s safety, while still feeling compassion for the pain and suffering of others. This balance—fierce advocacy and deep empathy—is what makes leadership truly powerful.
Parasha Vayechi: The Nuances of "Living"
Parasha Vayechi reminds us life is a dance between comfort/stability and embracing vitality and growth. In this week’s blog, I explore the nuances of "living" in the Hebrew words “vayechi” and “vayeshev”, using Joseph’s journey to reflect on how the balance between both types of living are essential to a life well lived.
Parasha Vayigash: Exploring Emotional Complexity and Human Connection in the Torah
In Parasha Vayigash, Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers, bringing decades of tension to a dramatic climax. This Torah portion invites us to reflect on emotional expression and human complexity, offering timeless lessons about grief, forgiveness, and connection. Dive into this week’s commentary to explore how Joseph’s journey mirrors our own emotional struggles and triumphs.
Joseph’s Journey: Choosing Growth Over Resentment in Parashah Miketz
What would you do if those who betrayed you came seeking your help? In Parashah Miketz, Joseph’s journey from prisoner to Pharaoh’s second-in-command teaches powerful lessons about forgiveness, resilience, and personal growth. Discover how his story challenges us to choose growth over resentment, turn adversity into opportunity, and embrace true transformation. Includes a thought-provoking journal prompt for your week ahead!
Turning Jealousy into Growth: Lessons from Parashah Vayishev
Parashah Vayishev reminds us that emotions like jealousy and envy hold powerful lessons. Dive into Joseph's story and discover how reframing jealousy can lead to clarity, growth, and transformation in your own life.
Wrestling with the Torah: Vayishlach’s Lessons
What does it mean to wrestle with identity, uncertainty, and faith? In this week’s parashah, Jacob’s transformation into Israel—'one who wrestles with God'—invites us into a legacy of questioning and growth. As we explore the layered, sometimes unsettling stories in Vayishlach, we uncover how wrestling with meaning keeps Jewish tradition alive and connects us to our shared name: Israel.
Finding Jewish Connection: Lessons from Parashat Vayetze for Modern Wanderers
Parashat Vayetze explores Jacob’s journey of dreams, struggles, and the deep familial connections shaped by Rachel and Leah. As modern Jews living global or nontraditional lives, staying connected to Jewish identity can feel challenging. Discover how to embrace the richness of Jewish culture and sustain meaningful traditions, even when far from family or familiar rituals.
Vayetze: What Jacob’s Ladder Teaches Us About Personal Growth and Spirituality
What does Jacob’s ladder have to do with surfing, perfectionism, and personal growth? In Parashat Vayetze, Jacob’s dream of angels climbing and descending a ladder speaks to the nonlinear journey of life. Whether we’re moving up, sliding down, or standing still, there’s meaning to be found exactly where we are. Explore these timeless lessons and take a few journal prompts to reflect on your own path.
How to Make Big Decisions with Jewish Wisdom
Making big decisions can feel overwhelming, but Jewish wisdom offers timeless guidance. Explore how values like Shiv’im Panim LaTorah, Hitbodedut, Tikkun Olam, and Lech Lecha can help you approach life’s crossroads with clarity, courage, and intention. Learn practical exercises to trust your journey, find support, and embrace growth.
Lessons from Toldot: What This Torah Portion Teaches Us About Family, Identity, and Personal Growth
Discover how the Torah portion Toldot inspires personal growth. Reflect on the family narratives you’ve inherited, the roles you’ve played, and the masks you wear. Learn how to rewrite your story and step into your most authentic self.
What Chayei Sarah Teaches Us About Clarity and Finding the Right Relationship
Chayei Sarah teaches us the power of clarity in life’s biggest decisions. Inspired by this parashah, I’m sharing how getting clear on what you want—whether in a relationship, career, or life—can help you recognize the right path when it appears. Plus, journaling prompts to help you craft your vision.
Sacrificing Integrity: What Vayera Teaches Those Who Struggle with God
In this week’s parasha, Vayera, Abraham’s silence as God demands the unthinkable speaks volumes. What can this ancient story teach us about integrity, faith, and the cost of blind obedience? For those who struggle with the concept of God, the lessons may be more relevant than you think.
Lech Lecha: Embracing the Jewish Call to Self-Discovery and Intuition
Have you ever felt a nudge from within, guiding you toward something new? In Jewish tradition, Lech Lecha—'go to yourself'—is a call to connect with your inner voice and embrace the journey of self-discovery. This post explores how Lech Lecha invites us to trust our intuition and find purpose, even amidst uncertainty. Where might your own lech lecha be calling you?
Lessons from Parashah Noach: Core Values for Intentional Living
In Parashah Noach, we read about the flood, a fresh start for humanity, and the importance of core values. Discover how this ancient story can inspire you to live more intentionally and align your choices with what truly matters. This post concludes with an practical and insightful exercise to define your own core values and create a path for conscious living.
The Power of Rest: How Shabbat and Nervous System Recovery Can Improve Your Well-Being
In Bereshit, the first chapter of the Torah, we learn that even God needed rest—a powerful reminder that we can’t pour from an empty cup. But rest isn’t just about physical downtime; it’s also about calming your nervous system. In today’s fast-paced world, balancing both physical rest and nervous system rest (shifting from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest) is essential for recharging. Learn how these two types of rest can help you reclaim your energy, embrace your purpose, and show up better in the world.
What Does L’Chaim Really Mean? Bridging Jewish Identity and Personal Growth
L’chaim isn’t just a toast—it’s a powerful reminder to align the life we’re living with the life we’re meant to live. Explore the deeper meaning behind this timeless Jewish phrase and how it can inspire personal growth, purpose, and joy.