Is Peace in the Family an Act of Futility?
There’s no doubt that family can be a major source of anxiety, frustration, and worry. Parents may be quick to offer unsolicited advice, siblings can hold long standing grudges, and […]
Category Archives: Parsha
When Pain Makes it Impossible to Pray to God — By Ben
Just the other day my best friends had a bris for their son and my wife and I were honored with the ritual of kvater. If you’re not familiar, the […]
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 […]
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 […]
Six Degrees Of Kosher Bacon 