The V’shamru prayer says: “For in six days the Eternal made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day God ceased from work and was refreshed (vayinafash).” Exodus 31:17 Maimonides (the great 12th century philosopher) explains: The word vayinafash (here translated “to be refreshed”) is derived from nefesh (soul), which means it contains the meaningContinue reading “From Will to Gratitude: Celebrating Shabbat with Maimonides”
Author Archives: mstreiffer
Vayetze: Scary Times and Unexpected Holiness
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-a4ywm-f37369 The story of Jacob’s ladder teaches about finding holiness in unexpected places. It’s an idea that saved and formed Judaism in ancient times. There couldn’t be a more important message for the pandemic.
Toldot: How (Not) To Disagree
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-6ykif-f2da89 This week’s Torah portion teaches about how to disagree respectfully. We could learn a thing or two for our own lives and our political system.
Chayei Sarah: Life and Death and Legacy
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-up2ui-f234de Chayei Sarah is a Torah portion about death. So why does its title only mention life??
Rabbi Micah Streiffer 