Reading Shoftim at Jury Duty — By Ben
I find it interesting that during the week of the Torah portion of Shoftim, literally judges, I happen to be at the LA county courthouse for jury duty. Clearly Hashem […]
Category Archives: Parsha
Shema – Two Ways to Learn — By Ben
In the past I’ve discussed the differences between the first paragraph of Shema and the second. The first paragraph is generally referred to as the V’ahavta, while the second paragraph […]
Stumbling Blocks, the Blind, and Political Correctness — By Ben
This week’s Torah portion has concepts that are real winners. Some of its verses are so popular other religions and even the secular world can be found quoting them. Among […]
Screenwriting, Salvation, and Splitting of the Sea — By Ben
It can be difficult to wrap our heads around the concept of salvation. Sure we’ve all had moments where we feel like we’ve dodged a bullet. We didn’t study enough […]
Meme posts – Shoftim – Strengths don’t compensate for Weaknesses
Coincidence, Mourning, & God’s Name — By Ben
There are many things in my life I have to be thankful for. Health, love, and family, to name a few. But there are few things I treasure more than […]
Vayeitzei — Is it about the Thanks or the Giving? — By Ben
I don’t host much. I live in a studio apartment, with a tiny table/desk and most of my meals are cooked on a George Foreman grill . Clearly, I haven’t […]
Lech Lecha – Above Mazel — By Ben
I remember one day in high school asking what the difference was between astronomy and astrology. My physics teacher, somewhat mockingly, defined one as the study of the stars and […]
Bereishis – Eve Wasn’t Adam’s Rib — By Ben
Though by no means a Torah appropriate film, the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch features a song the Origins of Love. Despite the song’s incompatibility with Torah Judaism, the […]
Shoftim – The War for Happiness — By Ben
Chodesh Tov everyone! As of today, we start the big push towards the High Holidays. Can you believe it? Seems like only yesterday I was nervously wondering whether I should […]
Six Degrees Of Kosher Bacon 